Jerry Schaffer

1934 - 2021

Jerry Schaffer
August 26, 1934 - July 10, 2021
Stockton, California - Jerry Raymond Schaffer, born August 26, 1934 passed away peacefully of natural causes Thursday, June 10, 2021, in Stockton, CA, surrounded by his family. His funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 19, at 10:00 am at St. Bernadette's Catholic Church, in Stockton California.
Born In Des Moines Iowa, he moved with his father, Gerald Ramond Schaffer, Sr. his mother Georgia, brother James to Aptos California. Jerry graduated from Santa Cruz High School and attended San Jose State University, obtaining his degree in education. It was there he fell in love with his wife Betsy . Jerry's mother Georgia often recanted the story of how Jerry met. While both were doing their student teaching at Capitola School, they had students deliver love notes to one another. After their first date, he came home and proclaimed to his mother "I just met the woman I am going to marry." They were married the day after graduation, and their love for one another, spanning 65+ years, was blessed with all the magical joys and heartaches life bestowed upon them.
After several years as an educator and high school administrator, Jerry was recruited to be the first Dean of Merced Junior College. Jerry loved working with young University students and was instrumental in introducing world-renowned authors, academics, and artists to Merced College and many of these guests in his family home.
Jerry embroiled himself in his passions, namely, woodworking, traveling with Betsy, (by last current count, more than 100 countries) he visited and assisted with student volunteer support in an effort to bring advanced education as well as basic necessities to those in need.
As a former Rotarian President, a member for 40+ years, Chairman of Merced's local Congressman's campaign for multiple terms, and committed leader to countless other causes, Jerry's life, with Betsy's guidance and commitment to the same goals, was filled with positive energy. He was a man of his generation. These solid values he and Betsy bestowed upon their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Jerry's public service will never be forgotten by the organizations' successes to which he was instrumental in bringing unprecedented achievements. Jerry never asked for praise, he worked countless hours for the community without seeking recognition. Jerry was raised by parents who believed in service before self. Jerry believed these values were gift, for which he expected no personal recognition. Jerry instilled this humanitarian philosophy in his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren until the day of his passing.
To all who knew him, he was a gentleman's gentleman. Humble, quick-witted, coupled with a magnatic gift of engaging people in his manner of telling a story, made he and Betsy perfect company at any gathering, whether it be a Congressional Ball or a small church or Red Cross function.
Jerry and Betsy retired to O'Connor Woods Retirement Center in Stockton California in 2017 where they could be close to their family. Jerry is survived by his wife (Eliabeth (Betsy), his brother James, daughters, Laurie Eager (Steve), Cynthia Brink (Corey), son, Jerry Schaffer, Jr., 12 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. His legacy of love continues to grow. He was preceded by the premature death of his daughter, Susan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Merced Rotary Foundation, PO Box 751, Merced CA