When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Vera T. C. Shafer who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Vera was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Vera knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her home and in her community.
Vera was born at home on July 17, 1937 in Kassel, Germany to her parents Viktor Krollpfeiffer and Hildegard Liebetrau. Vera was raised in Kassel, Germany. Even as a youngster, Vera learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.
As a young girl, Vera was able to put her natural abilities to work. Vera was raised with three siblings. She had one older sister, Marion; one younger brother, Helmutt; and one younger sister, Erika. Vera had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Vera, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.
Vera's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Vera enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Vera took part in gymnastics, played stickball, and enjoyed reading. In her spare time she liked gardening, crafting, and recreational sports.
In school, Vera was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Vera was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Vera’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time. School was different in Germany. And although she attended vocational school, like many young students, Vera enjoyed some courses more than others. Vera's favorite classes in high school were Religion and History.
Vera was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Vera was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She wasn’t afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Vera came to expect her high standards of performance. While growing up, some of her best friends were Ria and Wilma. Later in life, she made many new friends.
An objective and conscientious individual, Vera reveled in the security of her family. On July 4, 1961 Vera exchanged wedding vows with Randy William Shafer at a civil wedding, on Randy's only day off in Kassel, Germany. One of Vera’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.
Vera was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Vera would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Vera was blessed with six children: Petra, Sylvia, Caroline, Susan, Randy, and Katherine. She was also blessed with 14 grandchildren, David, William, Alex, Justin, Samantha, Adam, Tracie, Jasmine, Erika, Tommy, Palmer, Ashley, Kaitlin, and Joshua; and three great grandchildren: Ayden, Kylie, and Joseph.
Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Vera was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Vera was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Vera upheld her standards. Throughout her life, Vera was a tended to her home and family, but she also worked for many stock room clerk in Germany to help support her home.
Vera approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were crotcheting, handcrafting, gardening, and collecting spoons and angels. Vera was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.
Being generous with her time and energy, Vera liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. She was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. Her desire to uphold traditions and her ability to take charge of any type of project made her a tremendous asset. In her younger years, she supported her children's interests in Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts; and in her later years, Vera was an active member of the Women of the Moose for over 30 years.
Faith was important to Vera. She held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay she saw around her. For that reason she held deep spiritual beliefs that she was willing to share. Vera was a member Our Saviors Lutheran Church for 6 years.
When Vera’s retirement finally arrived in 1991, she was well prepared. She used her critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. In retirement, she found new pleasure in spending time with her grandchildren, and great grandchildren; as well as continuing her gardening and crafting. In many ways, Vera loved retirement. It provided her with the opportunity to catch up with her friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.
Vera passed away on November 7, 2018, peacefully in her home. She is survived by four children: Caroline, Susan, Randy and Katherine; 13 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren; honorary children and grandchildren. Services were held at Palm Boulder Highway Mortuary. Vera was laid to rest in Palm Henderson Cemetery.
All who knew her would agree that Vera was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Vera T.C. Shafer did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.
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