Ronald "Ronnie" Shaffer

Ronald “Ronnie” Shaffer, 70, was born November 5, 1943 and passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2014 at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, Iowa where he had lived since 2008.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Viola and father, Jake; aunts, Mable, Gertrude and Olive and uncle, Robert Ness; brother, Billy; and wife, Ethel. Ronnie is survived by one cousin, Pat Hill and several step-relatives.

Ronnie was a Des Moines resident most of his life. As a child, he loved visiting his cousin, Patty at the farm and playing with all the animals, especially Pepper the dog. He attended Professional Art School in Chicago and was enlisted in the Marine Corps from 1965 to 1968, serving in Vietnam. He retired from Firestone in October 1987 after 23 years. He then went on to be a decorator for Younkers.

Ronnie enjoyed watching all types of sports, especially Iowa State. He liked horseracing, going out to eat, and to the casino. Ronnie had a good sense of humor and loved to tease people and joke around. He was especially helpful and kind to his mother, aunts and uncle as they grew older. Ronnie was a kind and gentle person. He will be greatly missed by his many fellow Vets at the Veterans Home in Marshalltown.

Services will be held Monday, November 10, 2014 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation will be from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. with funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Concluding ceremonies will follow at Powers-Warren Cemetery in Adelphi, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Iowa Veterans Home, 1301 Summit Street, Marshalltown, Iowa, 50158 in appreciation of their care of Ronnie. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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