David George Shaffer

           David George Shaffer, age 89, of Mankato died unexpectedly on July 17, 2023 at New Perspective Senior Living.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 29th at 11:00 a.m. at Woodland Hills Funeral Home in Mankato.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. 

          David was born on October 20, 1933 in Dickinson County, Iowa, to Jennie Marine (Jewell) Shaffer and George Alvin Shaffer.  Soon after, he moved with his parents, sister Norma Jane, and brother Deane to a farm near Windom, Minnesota. He worked on the family farm and enjoyed musical activities, especially singing and playing the trombone.  He attended Bethel College in St. Paul, then Mankato State College, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in German and Biology in 1955.  He continued his education at Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Chicago, where he graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Divinity. He then returned to Mankato State College and graduated with a Master of Science in Biology in 1959.

          He married Jo Ann Lovell of Goodrich, Michigan on August 28, 1954.  Their daughter Cynthia Beth was born in Chicago, and their daughter Laurel Andrea was born in Mankato.  David took his family on many camping trips where he shared his love of nature with his girls. He also enjoyed woodworking, fishing, gardening, and helping his family with painting, landscaping, and other projects.

          David worked for 36 years as a German and Biology teacher in the Mankato Area Public Schools.  Over the course of his teaching career, he took groups of his students to Germany and formed special friendships with host families.

          He was a longtime member of Crossview Covenant Church.  Some of his volunteer activities there included serving as deacon and church chairman, singing baritone in the choir and male quartet, and teaching adult Sunday School. During his retirement years, David participated in Bible Study Fellowship and Community Bible Study, and volunteered for Gentle Shepherd Ministry. 

He is survived by Jo Ann; daughters Cynthia (Brion) Loftsgard of Maple Grove and Laurel (David) Mech of St. Paul; two grandchildren, Jessica (Joshua) Kelch and Nathan (Brianne) Loftsgard; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, brother, and one niece.

Memorials may be given to Crossview Covenant Church. 

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