Dewitt Obits

Harold R. Shaffer of Monticello

Harold R. Shaffer, 83, of Monticello, passed away on January 8, 2013 at the Piatt County Nursing Home, Monticello.

Harold was born on December 12, 1929 in Bloomington, IL the son of Ralph and Esther (Beckhart) Shaffer. He married Joanne K. Wittig on September 18, 1956 in Monticello, IL.

Surviving is his wife, Joanne Shaffer of Monticello, a sister Marie O’Hea of La Mesa, CA. and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers and 1 sister.

Harold served four years in the U.S. Navy and four years in the U.S. Army. He served at the end of WW II and during the Korean Conflict. Joanne and Harold lived in Alaska for 20 years where Harold retired as an expeditor for a barge line ready mix company. Harold really loved and enjoyed the cabin that he built him and Joanne to use as getaway for recreational purposes. Harold enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling, and the outdoors. Upon retirement he and Joanne moved back to Monticello and Harold worked at the 4-H Memorial Camp, Allerton Park, as head groundskeeper. It was there that Harold could continue his love for deer, wildlife, and the great outdoors.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, January 14, 2013, at the Mackey-Wright Funeral Home, Monticello with Rev. Jim Dalrymple and Rev. Steve Ingram officiating. No Visitation will be held. Private family interment will be in Monticello Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Piatt County Nursing Home, the Hamm-Burke American Legion Post #101 of Monticello, or the First Christian Church of Monticello.