Patricia W. (Patt) Shafer

Patt was born March 31, 1928 to Arthur and Opal Wright in Paris, Illinois and was the middle of three sisters. Growing up, she worked the soda fountain in her dad’s drug store. Upon graduation from Paris High School, she attended Iowa State University majoring in bacteriology. Here she met her husband of 42 years, Don Shafer. They married in 1949 and moved to Des Moines. At this time, Patt worked in the old city testing lab downtown certifying foods and beverages. With the birth of her first child, Patt became a stay-at-home mom. She raised two sons, Steve and Stan. Soon after Don’s death in 1991, Patt began to spend winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama. She truly loved the ocean and walking the beach. These were some of her happiest times in life.

Patt loved and lived life to its fullest. She enjoyed giving time to her family and church, volunteering, PEO, puzzles, arts and crafts, traveling, playing golf, swimming, walking, watching Cubs baseball and Iowa State sports, family activities, holiday gatherings, and watching her children/grandchildren/great-grandchildren compete in various sports.

Patt is survived by her sons, Stan Shafer and Tony (Roxana) Young; daughter-in-law, Kathy Shafer; sisters, Barbara Martin and Jacque (John) Weberg; granddaughters, Melissa (Chris) Ollila and Marcela (Hector) Andonie; grandsons, Matthew (Kathy) Shafer, Michael (Ashley) Shafer, Marc Shafer, Zane Shafer, and Nathan Shafer, Alejandro (Gaby) Young and Felipe Young; great-grandchildren, Allie and Kaylee Ollila, Collin and Caleb Shafer, Adriana and Sofia Andonie, and Santiago Young; and several nieces and nephews. Patt was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son Steve.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff at Arbor Springs.

A memorial service will be held at McLaren’s Chapel on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 10 a.m. Friends may visit with the family from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday prior to the service.

Memorial contributions can be made to the West Des Moines Christian Church:

4501 Mills Civic Parkway West Des Moines, IA 50265