Gary Shaffer

Funeral services for Gary Shaffer will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the United Methodist Church in Burke, SD, with Pastor Thaniel Certa-Werner officiating. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Gary Lynn Shaffer was born on October 18, 1942, to Kenneth and Lucile Shaffer at Burke, SD, and was the oldest of four children. Gary attended school in Burke until he went to college at the University of South Dakota in Springfield, SD. Gary moved back to Burke to work on the family farm. Gary married Mary Ann Marek on December 22, 1963. To this union two children were born, Teri and Jerry.

Gary and Mary Ann operated a dairy farm near Burke for many years before moving to a farm south of Burke where they continued their dairy farming. They raised cattle, sheep, horses, pigs and chickens. Gary also drove a semi-truck for several years. Gary and Mary Ann operated S&S Hunter Service for several years where they met many people from all over the United States and created many lasting friendships.

Gary enjoyed gardening, rodeos, and socializing. After Mary Ann’s death, he continued to live on the farm until September 2023, when he moved to Texas to be closer to his great-grandchildren, and to escape the South Dakota winters. In Texas, he built a small home near his daughter and son-in-law. He lived in his little house by the lake and enjoyed watching the wildlife from his front porch with his faithful companion, his dog Moose. He had several animals that he took care of at his new home. He would feed a cat, several deer, raccoons and a frog or two.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ann; his father Kenneth; his mother Lucile; and his stepfather Alf.

Gary is survived by his children: Teri (Paul) Bichler of Lindale, TX and Jerry (Andrea) Shaffer of Seargeant Bluff, IA; three granddaughters: Jessica (Chris) Lane of Rockwall, TX, Madisyn Shaffer of Charlotte, NC, and Skylar Shaffer of Seargent Bluff, IA; two great-granddaughters: Cora and Ember of Rockwall, TX; his three siblings: DeElda (Dale) Westby of St. Charles, MO, Loris (Jayne) Shaffer of Huron, SD, and Marlys Dotson of Colorado Springs, CO; as well as many other family members and friends.