Curtis L. Shiffer

The last jam: Faded Love

Curtis Leroy Shiffer, age 95, passed away Monday, November 2, 2020, the day before his 96th birthday. Curtis was born November 3, 1924 to Curtis James Shiffer and Dolly Mae (Brooks). He was the oldest of seven children. His siblings included Darrell, Kenneth, Alssena, Bonnie, Van, and Glen, all of whom have passed away.

In June 1943, Curtis joined the Navy and he was assigned to the SS Ethan Allen Hitchcock, a merchant marine ship. He was Seaman 1st Class. He was released on December 25, 1945, he later joined the National Guard and was active for three years.

In 2009, Curtis was blessed to be able to go on the Honor Flight for his 85th birthday.

After the Navy he attended a school for radio and TV repair.

Curtis enjoyed roller skating, and this is where he met his 1st wife, Lucille Louise Link . They had three beautiful children – Karen Wittmaier of Des Moines, Janet Brown who is deceased, and Craig Shiffer of Des Moines.

He joined the Professional Musicians and Entertainers Club of Iowa, or PMECI as it is better known. Curtis was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006. He played the guitar, harmonica, banjo, and “bones”. Later in his life he learned to play Dobro and enjoyed crafting Dobros and guitars. He created and trademarked the character “Cousin Leroy.” Curtis enjoyed traveling to blue grass festivals and joining in jam sessions. As a matter of fact, he started the jam session on Fridays at the North side Senior Center.

Curtis was a man of many interests. He was a ham radio operator and learned Morse code, a magician, computer/monitor repairman, square dancer, National Guard supply sergeant, roller skater, comedian, ventriloquist (he made his own dummies), TV/radio repairman, artistic painter, cartoonist, and most importantly – dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, great-great-grandpa, and friend.

He loved his seven grandchildren, and his many great- and great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, siblings, and his daughter, Janet, Curtis was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Joanne Fees of 35 years. His faithful companion of 17 years, Pamela Clark, and his adopted son Scott Allen Shiffer.

Karen remembers her Dad recording her and her sister, Janet. Tape recorders were pretty new at the time. Janet remembered sitting on her Dad’s lap and he was singing “Beautiful, beautiful brown eyes.” She had brown eyes. Craig remembers when his Dad took him water skiing when he was about 9 years old. He put Craig on the back of his skis and told him to hang on! Craig tried holding on to his waist, but his arms slipped and he was hanging on to Curtis’ swim trunks instead. He didn’t realize that he had pulled the trunks almost down to Curtis’ knees! Such a wonderful life filled with good memories.

Karen gives A special thank you to Kirby Small, and Roger Countryman, for their friendship and the joy they brought to my dad.

There will be a funeral service for Curtis on Thursday, November 12, 2020 beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines. Burial with military honors will be held Friday, November 13, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel.

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