Wendell Lee Shaffer

Wendell Lee Shaffer, 89, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away on May 12, 2024. He was born on March 6, 1935, in Columbia City, Indiana, to Pearl and Harry Shaffer.

Wendell led a vibrant and fulfilling life. After graduating from Concord High School, he enlisted in the US Navy. Wendell's career spanned the recreational vehicle industry, where he owned and operated several RV companies. However, his true passion lay in serving his community. He dedicated countless hours volunteering in youth programs. Retiring in his early 50s, Wendell and his beloved wife, Fay, traveled the United States before settling in Arizona Traditions in Surprise, AZ. There, they immersed themselves in creating a vibrant community. Wendell and Fay were renowned for their extraordinary skill in the jitterbug, captivating audiences wherever they danced, earning them thunderous applause.

An avid sports enthusiast, Wendell cheered passionately for the Chicago Bears, White Sox, and Notre Dame. He was also a champion handball player and enjoyed regular rounds of golf accomplishing his hole in one.

Wendell's legacy extends beyond his professional and athletic endeavors. Coach Shaffer was instrumental in founding the Bristol Beavers and Concord Little League baseball teams. He coached baseball, basketball, golf, and soccer in Bristol, FOP in Elkhart, Concord, Osolo, Mary Feeser, Elkhart Soccer, Riverview, to name a few.  Under his mentorship, thousands of athletes were impacted with life altering lessons that are being shared through many generations. His dedication to his community was recognized when he received The American Legion, Civic Award in Bristol, Indiana.

Wendell will be deeply missed by his wife, Fay Shaffer, his children, Robert W. Shaffer (Denise), Douglas L. Shaffer (Tina), Debra R. Lecklider (Michael), Carla Pontius (Tom) and Karen Nicholas (Jeff), as well as his grandchildren: Tate Shaffer (Tracy), Brandon Shaffer, Chase Lecklider (Liza), Ryann Fretschel (Mathieu), Griffin Shaffer (Jerika), Crosby (Ashley), Lauren (Josh), Austin Shaffer, Derek Shaffer (Amanda), Sean Shaffer (Jonathan), Angie McClain (Rob), Jenni Learman (Josh), and Sydney Nicholas Curtis (Nick). In addition to his remarkable legacy of great-great-grandchildren, Wendell will be dearly missed by his stepbrothers, Mike and Bob Nusbaum, and stepsister, Carol Nusbaum and a nephew, K.L. Shaffer. He was preceded in death by his son, Randall L. Shaffer and his wife Elizabeth, and his parents, Pearl and Harry Shaffer, brother, Keith Shaffer, stepfather Robert Nusbaum and wife Bea, and special aunt and uncle, Irene and Floyd Garver.

The family invites friends and loved ones to join them in honoring Wendell's life at the Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, Indiana 46514 on Saturday, May 18, 2024, with a viewing at 11:00 am followed by a funeral service at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, designated for the establishment of a memorial bench at Raber Golf Course in honor of Wendell Shaffer. (Call the office at 574.293.6411 between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm ask about donating)

In closing, the Shaffer family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Greenleaf Health Center for their compassionate care during Wendell's battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

Online condolences for Wendell may be made at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com