Jerry Shaffner

Jerry D. Shaffner, 67, of Ree Heights, SD passed away Friday, December 17, 2021, peacefully at his home.

Celebration of Jerry’s life will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at the Ree Heights Auditorium in Ree Heights.

Jerry Don Shaffner, or Shifty as many knew him, was born January 8, 1954, in Pierre, South Dakota to Claude Mark and Carol (Cunningham) Shaffner.

As a youth, he was an avid outdoorsman, trapping and fishing at every turn.  Jerry also enjoyed his time playing football and wrestling until he graduated high school in 1972 from Stanley County.

After high school, Jerry moved to the family farm south of Ree Heights.  On August 22, 1975, he married Elizabeth Kuper.  To this union, three children were born: Laura Lea, Brent Jerry, and Ashley May Shaffner.

He continued living on the farm until the mid-1980's when he moved the family into Ree Heights.  He continued operating the farm well into the 1990's until eventually working for Jim Iverson as a farm hand prior to retirement.

Jerry loved farming and natural beauty.  He especially enjoyed taking kids fishing and teaching them the "right way" to do it.  He was always eager for trips to the river to find some walleyes but made sure to bond with family along the way.  He was a trusted confidant to many friends and family.  Known for being a fairly quiet man, people loved his wit when he decided to chime in.  Jerry had a wonderful sense of humor and an unforgettable grin.  He was a good pool player, but a great card player.  His passion for card games was well known, especially to "The Knights of the Round Table" that he spent so many years playing pinochle with.

His memory will be cherished by three children: Laura (Brian) Schwartz, Brent (Jamie) Shaffner, and Ashley (Jesse) Alvarado; grandchildren: Ellie, Kennedy, and Aubree Schwartz and arriving soon, Gabriella Alvarado; Brother, Carl (LeEtta) Shaffner, and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Edward "Butch" Shaffner; brothers-in-law Jon Nacke and Gary Gabriel; nephews: Michael and Darren Gabriel; sister-in-law LaRita Harrison; special uncle and aunt, Clyde and Evelyn Shaffner; and his parents-in-law, George and Ella Kuper.

Reck Funeral Home has been entrusted with Jerry's arrangements.