Ron “Shaf” Shafer, a lifelong resident of Wayland, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. Known to many simply as “Shaf,” Ron spent his entire life in the community he cherished. He dedicated 32 years of service to Spartan Stores before retiring. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life—riding his bicycle around town, playing cards with friends on Thursdays, solving crossword puzzles, and making trips for Plainwell ice cream. He was also never far from his beloved John Deere tractor. Ron took great pride in mowing his two and a half acres—sometimes it seemed like he found a reason to mow it eight times a week! He also gave back to his community through volunteer work with the Wayland Fire Department and Green Acres, and he was a faithful member of Wayland United Methodist Church.
Above all else, Ron’s greatest joy was his family. He treasured time spent with his children and grandchildren, and his proudest moment in life was when he and his beloved wife, Judy, became “Granny and Papa.” Their love and devotion to one another was extraordinary, especially when Judy gave Ron the gift of life through a kidney transplant in 1998. Ron will be remembered for his kindness, quiet strength, sense of humor, love of his community, and the deep love he had for his family. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Shafer. He is survived by his children Brian (Kara) Peterman, Emily (Dennis) Behler, and Brandon Shafer; grandchildren Madison and Mason Peterman and Oliver, Cora, and Elin Behler; siblings Karen (Jerry) Hendrick and Doug Shafer; sisters- and brothers-in-law Cindy (John) Fogg and Wayne Moore; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home, 312 N. Main St., Wayland, MI 49348. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, August 21, 2026, at Wayland United Methodist Church, 200 N. Church St., Wayland, MI 49348, with visitation from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Ron, contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.kubiakcookwayland.com in their guest book online.
