Delbert "Del" L. Shaffer

On Sunday, March 24, 2013, Delbert L. Shaffer passed away peacefully at his home in Yreka surrounded by family members. He was 86 years old. Del was born in Weed to Rose (Bean) and Orby Shaffer on September 29, 1926. He attended school in Weed and graduated from Weed High School in 1945. During high school he loved playing football, basketball and baseball. In 1945 he was drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany, where he also played basketball for the Army team. After his discharge, he joined the Navy Reserves and was on active duty during the Korean War. Del worked as a sawyer in the sawmills in Weed and Fortuna. Later in life, he worked for Siskiyou County and then as an equipment operator for the City of Yreka. He was also a volunteer for the Yreka Fire Department. Del loved the outdoors. Whenever he had a chance he would hunt, cut wood or go on long drives in the woods, usually with one or more of his brothers. He stayed active bowling, loved to play a card game called “Hand and Foot” with anyone that was up for a hand, and liked to travel on the bus to Seven Feathers. Actively being involved with his grandchildren by spending time with them and watching some of them participate in sports was a highlight in his life. Del is survived by his loving wife, Grace; his daughters and their spouses, Delora and Gale Jensen of Edgewood, Deanne and Kelly McLendon of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Debbie and Hans Peters of Yreka and Dixie and Mark Mehringer of Montague; his step-daughters and their spouses, Holly and Jim Sanford of Florence, Mississippi, Kathy and Ronnie Lamson of Central Point, Oregon and Theresa Torrence of Soldotra, Alaska. In addition, he is survived by his sixteen grandchildren, Jenny, Heidi and Gale Jensen, Cherie Erickson, Kelly Mike McLendon, Rochelle Duncan, Briana Virgin, Sara Iversen, Zack Kofford, Aimee Joachims, Justin Burrone, Trever Campbell, Rhonda Smith, Tiffany Beile, Michael and Tyler Torrence, and 22 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-laws Betty Shaffer and Barbara Shaffer; his brother-in-law Ben Wilmarth and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Orby, Bud, Iven and Don; and his sister Virginia Wilmarth. Del was a great example of kindness and caring to his family and others. He left a wonderful legacy, which many will carry throughout their lives. He will be greatly missed. At his request there will be no public service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Madrone Hospice, 255 Collier Circle, Yreka, CA 96097 or to the Siskiyou Humane Society, 1208 N. Mount Shasta Blvd., Mount Shasta, CA 96067.

Delbert "Del" L. Shaffer

September 29, 1926 - March 24, 2013