Michael R. Shaffer, age 70, of Sandoval, Illinois, passed away at 6:12 p.m. on Monday, October 2, 2023, in Sandoval, Illinois.
He was born on August 11, 1953, in Salem, Illinois, the son of Raymond and Rosetta (Wilkins) Shaffer. He married Mary Kathryn Gore on October 27, 1973, in Sandoval, Illinois.
Left to mourn his passing are his wife of 50 years, Mary K. Shaffer of Sandoval, Illinois; his mother, Rosetta Shaffer of Sandoval, Illinois; son Jason (Crystal) Shaffer of York, Pennsylvania; two daughters, Jill (Kerry) Hercules and Julie Shaffer both of Nashville, Illinois; two brothers, Donald (Carolyn) Shaffer of Odin, Illinois and Larry (Karen) Shaffer of Sandoval, Illinois; a sister Cindy (Chuck) Newcomb of Salem, Illinois; six grandchildren, Jordan Shaffer, Tristen Hercules, Jacob Shaffer, Ethan Gambill, Jadon Shaffer and Miles Hercules. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Shaffer, a brother Danny Shaffer, and a niece Kim Shaffer.
Mike retired from North American Lighting in Salem, Illinois, and then worked at the Greenview Golf Course and delivered caskets for the Aurora Casket Company. He was a member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Sandoval, Illinois, and a 4th Degree Knight with the No.1518 Santa Maria Assembly Knights of Columbus. He coached basketball at several levels, including Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School and Sandoval High School. He also coached Pony League baseball for years and served as an umpire in the area. Mike was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, and enjoyed collecting baseball cards and playing golf. In his early years, he played in several softball and golf leagues. He especially enjoyed watching his grandson’s sporting activities.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Sandoval, Illinois with Father Jose Jacob and Father Pat Peter officiating. A private burial will follow in the church cemetery at a later date. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his Mass at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Those attending are asked to wear Cardinal attire. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sandoval Fire Department or the Sandoval High School Athletics Program. Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia is in charge of arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.moranfuneralhome.net
