Robert E Shafer

Robert E. Shafer, 92, of Waterloo, died Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Bob was born February 1, 1929, in Waterloo, son of George and Marie (Neubauer) Shafer. He attended Longfellow Elementary, East Jr. High, and graduated from East High School in 1947. He played in one of the first East High Swing Shows that featured a stage band.

Bob attended Iowa State Teachers College (ISTC – now UNI) to study instrumental music, and to earn his teaching certificate – graduating in 1951. Bob has the distinction of being a founding member of the very first jazz band at ISTC/UNI. He enlisted in the USAF in June of 1951, and was stationed at Offutt AFB, where he participated in the United States Air Force Band program there. After his service, he went on to earn his Master's in Music Education from State Teachers College of Iowa (SCI – now UNI).

Bob began his teaching career by filling the band director opening at McKinstry Jr. High – staying in that position for 13 years. He then moved on to the Assistant Band Director position at West Waterloo High School, and finally head director for a total of 19 years as a Wahawk. Bob was responsible for the various music programs including marching band, concert & symphonic bands, and award-winning jazz ensembles. Bob rounded out his music education career with a 1-year assignment at Logan Intermediate and 4 years at Hoover Intermediate.

In addition to his public-school teaching duties, he was a highly sought-after adjudicator for solo & ensemble contests, as well as band festivals and competitions at the local, district, and state level. He dedicated a considerable amount of his time teaching private music lessons. He also spent many years & summers playing in local "territory" bands, state fair bands, circus bands, and in the bands for other traveling shows.

Bob also has a long history with the Waterloo Municipal Band, both as a section musician, and as the band's musical director for 3 summers. In later years, he also enjoyed his participation in the Cedar Falls Municipal Band. And if all this wasn't enough, he spent many years playing in several music groups (large and small) led by Bill Shepherd.

Bob made the acquaintance of one Mary Jane Heisler while at ISTC during the fall of 1950. At that time, Bob was still stationed in the USAF, so many miles were driven between Omaha and Waterloo during that courtship. The 2 were married on August 9, 1953, at the First Brethren Church, Waterloo. He attended Westminster Presbyterian Church and First Baptist Church both in Waterloo.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane, sons, David, Bill and Tom; and his granddaughter, Kaylee.

Today, we celebrate Bob's life – honoring his memory and paying tribute to a man of faith, family, and music. He will always be remembered as an "all-around good guy!"