Robert "Bob" Shaffer

Robert G. Shaffer II, 61, passed peacefully on Friday, July 10, surrounded by loved ones, at the Mercy Hospice in Johnston, IA. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation in Des Moines, to be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 14 at Caldwell-Raddatz Funeral Home, 8201 Hickman Road. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 15 at Camp Dodge Chapel, Johnston, followed by lunch. Additionally, visitation in Mt. Pleasant will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, July 16 at Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel in Mt. Pleasant. Graveside services with military honors will be held at Forest Home Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant, immediately after the visitation, followed by a time of food and fellowship. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to Kid's Wish Network, Henry County Animal Rescue Organization, and Mercy Hospice of Johnston, Iowa. Born August 5, 1947, in Ottumwa, IA, and raised in Mt. Pleasant, Bob was the only child of his loving parents, Robert and Esther (Van Ee) Shaffer. He was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School, Iowa Wesleyan College, US Army Engineer School in Ft. Belvoir, VA, and the Command and General Staff College in Ft. Leavenworth, KS...[more]

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e retired in 2000 after 30 years of service with the Iowa National Guard at the rank of Colonel. Bob loved his career in the military and proved his dedication by continuing on at Camp Dodge as Director of Facilities, providing service and leadership to the guard until his final retirement in September of 2007. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion of Foreign Wars. Bob found joy in long afternoons on the golf course, mushroom hunting with friends and family, and providing food and care to all creatures great and small. Spending time at his beloved farm provided peace and renewal. Giving generously to those in need was a passion. His family and friends will be forever touched by his strength, determination, and lively sense of humor. Bob is greatly loved and missed by his parents, Robert and Esther Shaffer of Mt. Pleasant, IA; his daughter, Kristy Shaffer of Corpus Christi, TX; his wife, Fae Erickson Ramsay of Des Moines, IA; her two children, Genevieve Ramsay of Des Moines, IA and John Ramsay of Des Moines, IA; step-grandchild, Jonah of Des Moines, IA, and close family friend, Randy Ford of Mt. Pleasant, IA.