Mel Schaffer

Mel Schaffer, age 81, passed away peacefully at his home in Austin, Texas, on Wednesday, April 26, 2006. Mel was born October 19, 1924, to Louie and Ruth Schaffer in Osceola, Iowa. At seventeen, after graduating from Osceola High School, he enlisted in the Army where he flew P-38’s and P-51’s in WWII, engaging in the historic battle at Luzon. Returning home, he found his love, Fern Stevens. After many exciting evenings dancing to big band music, including their favorite song “It Had to be You,” they were married in 1951. Mel then enlisted in the National Guard and was commissioned as an Air Force Lieutenant. During his twenty years in the Air Force, Mel received much commendation for his excellent teaching and organizational skills, which he carried over into his family life, providing continual help and support to his three children. Mel and his family were assigned to Iowa, Maine, West Virginia, England, Texas, Louisiana, England again, and then Missouri. In 1968, he retired as a Lt. Colonel and moved to Austin, becoming reacquainted with his military friends. Mel then worked as a realtor for NPC, Bill Milburn, and Bolding—when he wasn’t busy fishing—his real passion in life. Mel is survived by his loving wife Fern of 55 years; his daughter, Susan Knoke and her husband John of Wallkill, New York, his daughter; Tracey Schaffer and son Scott Schaffer, both of Austin, Texas; his sister, Margie Nish and her husband Jack of Osceola, Iowa; his niece, Ann Townsley, her husband Frank, and their family of Osceola, Iowa; his niece, Cathy Adair and her family of Davenport, Iowa; and his sister-in-law Dodie Hribar and her husband Dick of Newhall, California. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, May 1, 2006, at the Wilke-Clay-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 S. Congress. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to a preferred charity. Memorials and guestbook online at wcfish.com