Bennett Schaffer

Obituary

Bennett “Buck” Columbus Schaffer was born on November 28, 1924, in Heron Lake, Minnesota. He was the son of Julius and Stephanie (Hager) Schaffer. Buck was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth in 1935 in Dundee, Minnesota.  He attended school in Heron Lake, Minnesota and Marshall, Minnesota.  Buck attended country school until the 8^th grade and attended management school later in life.  Buck served in the United States Army Air Force from March 1945 to December 1946.  During this time he was awarded the Expert Infantryman Badge.  He was proud of this reward, being the only one in his unit to receive the reward.  The badge represented the United States Infantryman’s hard hitting role in combat and was awarded to those who had reached the highest level in the exceptionally difficult Infantry Arts.

On July 23^rd, 1949, Buck was united in marriage to Marilyn Thompson in Morris, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with four children, Sandy, Barry, Jane and Lorie. Buck and Marilyn resided in Morris, Minnesota and Rushmore, Minnesota before moving to Hutchinson and calling it home in 1957.  He was a loving and faithful husband. They shared 66 years of marriage.

Buck was employed at Cenex in Hutchinson as a Manager for 26 years, until he retired in 1983.  After retirement, Buck worked as a groundskeeper for HTI (Hutchinson Technology Inc.).  His woodworking skills led him to become an antique seller and dealer where he proudly brought old furniture back to life.  Searching for antiques in three states led to many new friendships and memories.  Buck was a member for 72 years with the Hutchinson American Legion Post #96, which made him the oldest and longest member of the Legion. He was also an active member of the Hutchinson VFW Post #906. Buck was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson where he was actively involved in various ways. He was a member of Gopher Campfire, where he especially enjoyed helping to build the sanctuary. 

Buck’s favorite activity was spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  You could never play too much “500” and the popcorn bowl was always full.  He loved being outdoors.  Tending his “humungous” garden more than filled his days.  Although there was always time to teach the grandkids and great grandkids how to garden or take visitors on a tour.  Over the years he enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping.

Buck passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 14, 2016, at his home with family by his side at the age of 91 years.  The sparkle in his eyes, his bright smile, and his many “Buckisms” will be missed.  Blessed be his memory.

 Buck is survived by his:
Spouse, Marilyn Schaffer of Hutchinson, MN;
Children, Sandy Stai and her husband, Steve of Darwin, MN,
                              Barry Schaffer and his wife, Julie of Hutchinson, MN,
                              Jane Brinkman and her husband, John of Winona, MN,
                              Lorie Maurer and her husband, Scott of Hutchinson, MN;
“Adopted Children,” Pam and Mike Woods of Hutchinson, MN;
Grandchildren, Andrea Matheny and her husband, Lance, Stacey Kuhl and her husband, Chris, Rachael Noga and her husband, Steve, Andrew Schaffer, Mandi Lange and her husband, Arron, Jenna Brinkman, Emily Maurer, Matthew Maurer, Molly Schuetzle and her husband, Jordan, Nesha Withers and her husband, Bob;
Step-Grandchildren, Steve Stai Jr. and his wife,Tami, Shawn Stai, Melanie Welte and her husband, Todd, Nic Stai and his wife, Andrea;
24 Great Grandchildren;
4 Great-Great Grandchildren;
Siblings, Delores “Butchy” Pigman of Windom, MN,
                                  Geraldine “Jerrie” Magnussen of Dundee, MN;
Brothers-In-Law, Gordy Thompson and his wife, Esther of Cyrus, MN,
                                 Luther Thompson and his wife, Joyce of Norcross, MN,
                                 Donald “Don” Thompson and his wife, Rose of Cyrus, MN;
Sister-In-Law, Vernett Kannegiesser and her husband, Larry of Morris, MN;
Many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Buck is preceded in death by his Parents, Julius and Stephanie Schaffer; Brothers, Otto Schaffer and his wife, Hazel, Vince Schaffer and his wife, Pauline, Cornelius “Doc” Schaffer and his wife, Mag, Eugene “Dick” Schaffer and his wife, Kio; Sisters, Josephine “Josie” Sutherland and her husband, Arthur, Evelyn Schoenberger and her husband, Joe, Mabel “Blondie” Anderson and her husband, Lou; Brothers-In-Law, Duane Pigman, Kenneth Magnussen, Kenny Thompson and his wife, Lorraine; Sister-In-Law, Ruby Damsky and her husband, Del; Grandchildren, Troy Woods, Jay Brinkman, Amy Schaffer.