George W. "Bill" Shaffer

George W. “Bill” Shaffer, 91, of Iowa City, died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013, at his home.

Bill was born Jan. 13, 1922, in Edgewood, Iowa, the son of Lester and Gertrude (Mellen) Shaffer. Following graduation from high school he attended and graduated from the University of Minnesota with his degree in engineering. Bill enlisted in the United States Army during World War II, serving in an anti-aircraft artillery battalion. While serving in Europe, he was awarded four battle stars. He was honorably discharged with the rank of major. On June 1, 1946, he married Joan in Minneapolis, Minn. The couple moved in 1956 from Cincinnati, Ohio, where he had begun a career with Procter & Gamble that brought him to the Iowa City plant as an engineer. He retired from there after 39 years with the company.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Iowa City.

Bill was very dedicated to his family.

His family includes his wife, Joan; four children, Richard C. Shaffer (Cheryl) of Coralville, Thomas W. Shaffer of Iowa City, Catherine A. Buell (Dexter) of Quincy, Mich., and Janet E. Jones of Redlands, Calif.; and six granddaughters, Kristen, Kari and Kendra Shaffer, K.J. Buell, Melinda and Amy Jones.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Wayne and James Shaffer.

No public services are planned; private family committal services will be held at a later date at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.

Online condolences may be sent for Bill’s family through the Web at www.gayandciha.com.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Bill’s family and his arrangements.

Published Feb. 9, 2013 in The Gazette