Lester N. Shafer, age 94, of West Bend, WI, formerly of Michigan City, IN, and Jekyll Island, GA, passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 at Kathy Hospice in the town of Polk, WI.
He was born in Winfield, Iowa on August 18, 1911 to the late James and Mabel (nee Meyer) Shafer. On June 22, 1935 he was united in marriage to Doris Peterson at Bethel Methodist Church in Chicago, IL. Together they raised two daughters. Doris preceded him in death in April 1976. His second wife, Phyllis Shafer, also preceded him in death.
Lester worked in the printing industry his entire life beginning as a press operator and retiring as a salesman for Burch Printing in Benton Harbor, MI. He enjoyed many hobbies including: wood working, golf, and tennis.
Lester loved Barbershop music and sang with his own quartet. He was also a member of the chorus, "Ambassadors of Harmony," in Michigan City, IN. His chorus won the 1956 S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A. International championship. Lester was a member of the "Ambassadors of Harmony" for 50 years.
Lester is survived by his two daughters, Nancy Shafer-Stark (James), and Donna Shafer-DeBow. He is further survived by his six grandchildren, Andrew Avery (Karen), Alan Avery (Mary Ann), Anne Avery-Scherer (Doug), Royce DeBow Jr. (Elle), James DeBow (Jody), and Pamela DeBow; 17 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by both of his wives; his parents; his four brothers, Ellison, Ralph, Chester, and Keith Samuel; and his sister Marcia Lauer.
Private family services in celebration of Lester's life will be held out of town at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorials to the Kathy Hospice (3232 Pleasant Valley Rd. West Bend, WI 53095) or to the charity of your choice.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of the sub-acute care center at St. Joseph's Hospital and to the staff at Kathy Hospice for the exceptional care and warm compassion that was given to them over the past few weeks.