Charles W. Schaffer, 79, died April 2, 2023, with his family at his side, at Rush County Memorial Hospital, La Crosse, Kansas. He was born April 12, 1943, in Hays, Kansas, the seventh child of Vincent and Olinda (Obholz) Schaffer. He attended school in Schoenchen and later served in the Army National Guard.
On July 27, 1964, he married Ilene Schuckman in La Crosse, Kansas. She preceded him in death on August 7, 1971. He then married Karolyn M. Schaffer on December 2, 1972, in Olmitz, Kansas.
Charles was a farmer and had also worked as a rig mechanic for Red Tiger Drilling. He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church where he sang in the choir. Charles loved tinkering, especially welding and working on small engine repair. He loved a good card game and golfing, a game which he took up in retirement and thoroughly enjoyed, wishing he had started earlier in life. Thus leading to a membership in the La Crosse Country Club. He also enjoyed delivering friendship meals around the county for the past 10+ years. His family remembers his love of baking, where he was well known for his cinnamon rolls, angel food cake, and his “beerox."
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Karolyn M. Schaffer of the home; and three children, Charnell Breshears and husband John of La Crosse, Kevin Schaffer and significant other Anita Shepard of Bison, Laurie Post and husband Kevin of Lincoln, Nebraska; four grandchildren, Josh Breshears, Jonna Skinner and husband Tim, Emma Post and Kayla Post; five great grandchildren, Preslie, Gabbie, and Josie Breshears and Desmond and Cooper Skinner; six siblings, Virginia Dreiling of Hays, Paul Schaffer, Joseph Schaffer, and Kenneth Schaffer all of California, Gladys Haugaard of Illinois, and Mary Ann Gariepy of Derby.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Ilene Schaffer, and brothers, Virgil, Jerry, Dennis, and Irvin Schaffer.
Friends may sign the book today through Friday at the funeral home. Their will be no viewing as cremation has taken place.
Family will greet friends prior to the rosary on Sunday, April 9th, at 6 p.m. with Rosary beginning at 7 p.m., all at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 10, 2023, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas, celebrated by Father Stephen Dabanka. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. at St. Ann Cemetery, Olmitz, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Rush County Memorial Hospital Intermediate Swing Bed or Rush County EMS, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.