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Vern Schaffer, 77

Vern Schaffer, 77, was born in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho to Earl and Wilma (Double) Schaffer on Jan. 14, 1941. He passed away at home on Feb. 19, 2018, after a long struggle with cancer and heart disease. He had four brothers, Bill (Donna), James (Ingrid), Dave and Ron, and they spent their youth in North Idaho. He attended local schools including Coeur d’Alene High. His childhood included a large extended family with many cousins. He knew hard work early on and spent much time in the woods as his dad and uncles were in the logging industry. Fishing, hunting, camping and spending time outdoors with special cousins was their entertainment in that generation.

Vern married Tinka S. Wolf in 1962 and they had two children, Trish and Brian, and two additional children joined the family, Fred Maidesil and Amy Reynolds Sheppard. During the Vietnam War, Vern joined the Army Reserves with his special cousin, Don, in December of 1965. He completed basic training at Ft. Lewis and scored very high in mechanics, overseeing the motor pool of the 321st Engineer Battalion. He was honorably discharged in 1971 as a staff sergeant.

His hobbies included bowling, all outdoor adventures, travel and hunting trips with his brothers-in-law and father-in-law. These adventures allowed them to develop amazing hunting stories to entertain the families all year. Annual camping and family reunions were a requirement as his family was the most important thing in his life. He loved to race his snowmobile in his early years and he also had horses and enjoyed adventures with the Kootenai County Saddle Club.

Vern and Tinka loved to travel and had wonderful memories of visiting Europe, Canada and the US. Hawaii was his favorite place, and a most memorable trip included the kids and grandkids. He and his brother Dave owned Schaffer’s Towing, and they were able to retire after finding a dedicated family to buy the company. Since retirement in 2010, his favorite hobby has been his classic 1955 Chevy and his Phuddy Duddies Car Club buddies and their many travels and car shows.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bill and Dave; parents-in-law, Les and Inez Wolf; and brothers in-law Tom Mishler and Joe Woods, as well as several loving extended family members. He is survived by his daughter, Trish (Tom) Knight; son, Brian; their children, Justin Knight, Dillon Knight, Jake Lohr Schaffer, Ryan Hilgar Schaffer and two precious great-granddaughters, Vivian and Berkley. His additional children include son, Fred (Deb) Maidesil; grandsons, Cameron Maidesil, Brodi Maidesil and Amy (Dave) Sheppard; grandchildren, Kylie Werner, Acacia Werner, Madison Sheppard and Tanner Sheppard. His family includes brothers, James (Ingrid) Schaffer and Ron Schaffer; along with his in-laws, Tonya Mishler, Larry (Bobbie) Wolf and Tava Woods. He loved all his extended family including many close nephews, nieces, cousins, aunts and uncles. He wanted them to know how much they meant to him in making his life so rewarding.

Any memorial charitable gift in his name may be made to the Panhandle Parks Foundation for the K-27 Sgt. Greg Moore Memorial. His son-in-law spent 28 years with the KCSO and Vern knew well the sacrifices that law enforcement make protecting our community. Mail to: K-27 Panhandle Parks Foundation, 212 Ironwood Dr. STE D PMB 124, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814, 208-446-4813, panhandleparks@gmail.com.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2018, at Heart of the City Church, 772 W. Kathleen Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815.

English Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit Vern’s online memorial at EnglishFuneralChapel.com