Marvin "Bear" Ray Shaffer

Marvin “Bear” Ray Shaffer, 75, of Soldier, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at his residence.

A memorial service will be 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at Goslar Funeral Home Chapel, Onawa, Iowa, with Pastor Paul Coen and John Larson, officiating. A live stream of the service will be posted on the Goslar Funeral Home website with Bear’s obituary. A visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at the Goslar Funeral Home Chapel, Onawa, Iowa. Food and fellowship will follow the memorial service at Frannie’s Café, Onawa, Iowa. Arrangements are under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa, Iowa.

Marvin “Bear” Ray Shaffer was born on July 3,1947, the son of Clifford and Dorothy (Lund) Shaffer. He graduated from East Monona Highschool with the class of 1966. After graduation, he attended autobody school in Kansas City, Kansas.

Marvin and Sharon Conyers were united in marriage on November 18, 1976, in Onawa, Iowa. They lived together in Soldier, Iowa for forty-seven years. They had many special friends in the community like Gary and Diane Kalskett. They played cards and marbles for many hours. They also had a special neighbor Gavin Savery.  Marvin was very well known in the community as “Bear”. Bear had a contagious smile and laugh.

Bear was a well worker for Iverson’s in Moorhead, Iowa, and a construction worker for many years. He worked for the county for thirty-nine years running the grader.

He enjoyed fishing, watching westerns, gardening, and sitting on the porch.  Marvin enjoyed spending time with his family, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In his younger years he enjoyed drag racing.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon Shaffer of Soldier, Iowa; children, Tracy (Bobby) Huisenga of Onawa, Iowa, and Michelle (Jessie) of Ute, Iowa; grandchildren, Dustin (Alysha Mesenbrink) Landon of Castana, Iowa, Tyler (Meghann Sudsbury) Landon of Ute, Iowa, and Cody Landon of Soldier, Iowa; great-grandchildren, Brayden Koch, Jaxson Landon, Pyper Landon, Kade Landon, and Bronson Landon; special girls, Shelby Mauch and Riley Mauch; special boy, Jax Conyers; siblings, Dwight (Judy) Shaffer of Whiting, Iowa, Gerald (Elaine) Shaffer of Onawa, Iowa, and Laura (Mike) Butler of Soldier, Iowa; brother-in-law, Arles Dick; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Dorothy (Lund) Shaffer; grandparents; sister, Cathy Dick; and nephew, Jason Shaffer.

Condolences may be left online for the family at www.goslarfuneralhome.com

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