Lester Shafer, Sr. Obituary (1923 - 2004)

Lester W. Shafer Sr., age 80, of Menomonie, WI passed away Friday, June 11, 2004 in his home at the Dunn County Health Care Center. Lester was born on December 21, 1923 in Dunn County, WI to Elma Christina Wright-Shafer and Ernest W. Shafer. He attended a series of schools, all in the Dunn County area, up to the 7th grade. He worked and was on his own from the age of twelve. On April 14, 1942 at the age of 18, he was employed on the Thompson Dredge Boat on the Mississippi River. In 1943 he was inducted into the Navy and served his apprenticeship in Farragut, Idaho. He served in the Seaman Guard and then attended Gunners Mate School. From there he was shipped to Bremerton, Washington and then to Honolulu, Hawaii. He was then assigned to the aircraft carrier, USS Monterey. He served in the Pacific Theatre until he was discharged on February 19, 1946. In 1947 he served on the Federal Barge Lines. He then enlisted into the Army on March 14, 1948 and was sent to Germany where he joined the Second Army Calvary Regiment, where he served for the next six years. He was discharged from the Army at the rank of Sergeant on February 3, 1954. He then spent the remainder of his career working on a total of 24 different ships throughout the world. Lester is survived by his wife, Juanita L. Shafer of Wheeler, son, Lester W. (Crystal) Shafer of Elk Mound, brother, Arthur Shafer of Washington, IL, and by many nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Lester is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers (Bud, Stanley, Clifford, and Dennis), one sister (Erna), two nephews, and one niece. Lester's memory and achievements will remain in the hearts of his loved ones for all eternity. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI, with Rev. Steven Carlson officiating. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in the Twp. of Dunn, Dunn County, WI. with military honors by Menomonie Veterans Honor Guard. Family and friends may call at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie from 4 to 8 PM Tuesday and at the Funeral Home one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.