Joseph V. Shafer

Joseph V. Shafer, 102 years old, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, May 31, 2021.  He was born in South Bend, IN, on April 18, 1919, to the late Vernon J. and Louise C. (Schiffli) Shafer.

Joe was a 1935 graduate of Central High School. He was also a United States Navy veteran who served in the Pacific theater during World War II. Joe’s career was spent at Peerless Pattern Works, where he started in 1939, became the owner in 1949, and retired in 1981 after 42 years.

On April 18, 1942, he received a wonderful birthday gift and was united in marriage to Mary Alice Muldoon, and they went on to celebrate 62 years together before her passing in 2004.

Joe’s interests included flying as a young man; he obtained his pilot’s license at age 17. He also enjoyed trains, boats, water and snow skiing, bowling, golf, travel, Notre Dame sports and the Chicago Cubs.  Forever curious, he read extensively in his retirement, including Popular Mechanics, National Geographic, and Time.

Joe is survived by his children, Donald Shafer of Decatur, MI; David (Mary Jane) Shafer of Grove City, OH; Mark (Debbie) Shafer of South Bend; Ellen (Charles) Dettmer of South Bend; Brian Shafer of Plymouth, IN; and Janet (Gene) Sabo of Ocean View, DE. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren, as well as his sister-in-law, Doris Shafer. Joe was preceded in death by his brothers, Francis, Frederick, John “Jack” Shafer, and daughter-in-law, Jackie Shafer, along with two grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. 

Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, June 5, 2021, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at Palmer Funeral Home – Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 52473 State Road 933, South Bend. Interment of Joe’s ashes will take place at St. Joseph Memorial Park at a later date.

Memorial contributions in Joe’s honor may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society Center, 520 Crescent Ave, South Bend, IN 46617. 

Online condolences may be left for the Shafer family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

9/6/2021 EJS