Submitted by: Dan Rich

Frederick Charles Shafer

July 15, 1924 - Aug. 2, 2008

South Bend Tribune 8/3/2008
SOUTH BEND - Frederick Charles Shafer, 84, died Saturday, Aug. 2nd, in his home surrounded by his loving family. Fred was born July 15, 1924, in South Bend, the son of Vernon and Louise (Schiffli) Shafer, and had resided there all his life. He attended St. Joseph Catholic Grade School and graduated from Central High School in 1942. A World War II veteran, Fred served as a signalman on a Navy destroyer and was in 10 major battles. On April 23, 1949, he married the love of his life, Rosemary Christine "Rosie" Hardig. They were married 59 years. He was preceded in death by his parents. Fred is survived by his wife, Rosemary; their seven children, Kathryn (Mark) Rawie of Lenexa, KS, Jane (Steve) Hyden of Tallessee, TN, Jim Shafer of South Bend, Nancy (David) Pinson of Dallas, TX, Ed Shafer of Milwaukee, WI, Tricia Shafer of South Bend and Chris (Susan) Shafer of Granger; three brothers, Joseph Shafer of South Bend, Francis Shafer of South Bend and Jack (Doris) Shafer of Granger; three brothers-in-law, Ed (Joan) Hardig of Granger, Jim (Mary) Hardig of South Bend and Gene Jr. (Babe) Hardig of Myrtle Beach, SC. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Fred had a long career at the Peerless Pattern Works before retiring 20 years ago. He loved being retired and enjoyed traveling around the country visiting family and friends. He and Rosie spent every winter in Destin, FL, where he loved to play golf. However, his favorite place to play was Elbel Golf Course in South Bend with his brothers and close buddies. Fred's other passions were Notre Dame football and duplicate bridge. Fred and Rosie were longtime members of Holy Cross Catholic Church, and, most recently, they have been members of Corpus Christi. Our greatest memories of Fred include his no-nonsense approach to life with his great sense of humor. He was a very special human being who was loved by everyone who knew him. We will treasure our memories of him forever. He was one-of-a-kind.