Clarence Ruben Schaffer

Clarence Ruben Schaffer, 87, of Waterloo, died Saturday, April 20, 2024, at MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center.

He was born July 1, 1936, in Jamestown, North Dakota. He later moved in childhood to Waterloo, Iowa, with his family. Clarence was the oldest of six children.

Clarence attended West High School in Waterloo, graduating in 1954. He married Sharon Young on September 15, 1956, at First Baptist Church in Waterloo, and they were married for 67 years. They had four children: Bruce, Debra, Daniel, and Bob. Clarence was very family oriented. He greatly enjoyed going to see and hearing about the activities of his grandchildren. Clarence and Sharon have nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

He worked at Rath Packing Company for 30 years until Rath closed in 1985. Later, Clarence worked for Wonder Bakery until his retirement in 2000. He was a very dedicated employee to both Rath and Wonder Bakery, but he was most passionate about his side gig helping people with their lawns and other needed home repairs. Clarence was very willing to assist with his time and talents. He is remembered well for his giving spirit.

Clarence was an active member of St. Ansgar Lutheran Church and was a regular at church services, helping out in many volunteer roles as well as maintaining the grounds for the church.

He enjoyed the outdoors and was very proud of the gardens that he tended, his own and others that he assisted. Clarence also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Clarence could often be heard talking to others about the latest fishing trip or where the fishing hot spots were. Clarence always wanted to have a ready supply of fish for regular family fish fries.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Sharon Schaffer of Waterloo; three children, Debra Foss of San Clemente, CA, Daniel (Jill) Schaffer of Colorado Springs, CO, and Bob (Kari) Schaffer of Waterloo; a daughter-in-law, Linda Schaffer of Waterloo; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and five sisters, Irene Haase, Beverly Bruns, Gladys Cue, Jeanette Ridgeley, and Linda Picken.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gottlieb; mother, Christina; and his son, Bruce.

Funeral service: 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 29, at St. Ansgar Lutheran Church, Waterloo. Visitation: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, April 28, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo; also for one hour prior to services at the church. Memorials may be directed to St. Ansgar Lutheran Church.

Locke at Tower Park is assisting the family, 319-233-3146.