Donald Robert Shafer

Donald Robert Shafer

July 17, 1931 - March 21, 2012

ARAPAHOE, Nebraska -- Donald Robert Shafer, 80, of Oxford, Nebraska, died Wednesday (March 21, 2012), at the Harlan County Hospital, in Alma, Nebraska.

He was born July 17, 1931, on the family farm east of Edison, Nebraska to Robert and Velma (Osborn) Shafer.

He was a graduate of the Edison High School and was inducted into the U.S. Army on June 4, 1953, and served his country until being honorably discharged on March 3, 1955. Following his service time he farmed with his father and brother, Billy.

On May 17, 1957, he married Karol Schleicher. To this union one son and three daughters were born. In 1968, they began farming on their own and purchased the home farm moving back in 1975.

He was baptized in the Christian faith on Jan. 3, 1980, and served as a Deacon and board member in the Edison Christian Church. He served as secretary for the Edison Fire Department, 4-H leader, 4-H Council member, Co-op Board member, and Edison School Board, and American Legion Post #343 of Edison.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Duane and Jack Shafer; and nephew, David Shafer.

He is survived by his wife, Karol Shafer of Oxford; son, Gale and wife, Susan Shafer of Edison; daughters, Shelli Daily and husband, Frank of Holdrege, Nebraska; Loari Bray and husband, Sam of Wilcox, Nebraska; Staci Hall and husband, Andrew of Nunn, Colorado; brothers, Jerry Shafer and wife, Colleen of Lincoln, Nebraska, Billy Shafer and wife, Ida of Edison, Sam Shafer and wife, Donna of Lincoln, Nebraska, Francis Shafer of Edwardsville, Kansas; sisters, Maxine Homer of Helena, Montana, Phyllis Kantaras of Kearne, Nebraska, Arlene Smith of Blue Springs, Nebraska, Marjorie Erickson and husband, Duane of Hampton, Nebraska, Janice Howman and husband, Richard of Lakewood, Colorado; sister-in-law, Gladys Shafer of Lincoln, Nebrask; eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Funeral services are Monday, March 26, 2012, at 2 p.m., at the Edison Christian Church, in Edison, with Pastor Kirk Einspahr officiating. Burial will be at the Edison Cemetery, at Edison, with military rites presented by the American Legion Post No. 343 of Edison.

Viewing and visitation will be Sunday, March 25, 2012, from 1 until 8 p.m. at Wenburg Funeral Home, in Arapahoe, Nebraska; casket will be closed prior to the service at the church.

Condolences and personal reflections may be left at wenburgfuneralhome.com

Wenburg Funeral Home of Arapahoe, Nebraska is in charge of the services.