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Wilson Shoffner Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Wilson Shoffner
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Randy Rapp
February 27, 2020
I had the pleasure of serving under and learning by him when he was the Asst. Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations & Plans--Force Development, 1987-88. Especially when we sometimes worked past midnight while developing the Program Objective Memorandum for FY90-94, before The Wall fell. He was extremely focused, relentless in his pursuit of better equipment and organization for the Army, especially as regarded the armored forces. His ability to see through the secondary and tertiary issues to solve the most pressing problems was noteworthy--and we quickly learned to listen carefully and take to heart his priorities. When US forces proved overwhelming a few years later during Desert Storm, it was "The Dutchman" of whom I thought first. Much credit for that quick victory hinged on his singularity of carefully informed purpose. I know I was fortunate to sometimes be in his presence, able to see a superb professional in action. I have often thought respectfully of him in decades past. RIP, General.
Major Don Pryor
June 20, 2017
I served him when he was at TRADOC HQ DCSDOC. One HELLVA man, i deeply respected him, he was my mentor, he had a major influence on my military and post military career and I would have served with him in any capacity. RIP Dutch
Gerald Phipps
May 13, 2017
I served with then Brigadier General Dutch Shoffner when he was Assistant Division Commander of the famed 1st Cavalry Division under the late Major General John Yeosock. I had daily contact with him as he passed my desk each time he entered his office as I served as Chief Administrator for the Division CSM AC Cotton. Observing the General everyday, I could see that he was both a very brilliant man; knowledgable, dedicated, the consummate professional and he was down to earth; most of all, I knew him to be an extremely kind and compassionate man. In the nearly 2 1/2 years that I served under his command, I never saw him angry or out of control. He was a good man. He was approachable and would talk to the troops. I could go on and on but I have nothing but high regards and respect for the General. May God rest his soul in eternity. I was grateful to be under his command.
CW4, U.S. Army, Retired Michael L. Braddock CMR 28810 Box 226R
December 28, 2016
It is with heartfelt sadness to learn of the passing of this great man and his wife after the fact and two plus years later. He was my Commanding General when I was his Division Food Advisor of the proud 3rd Infantry Division. We forged a great food service training program, titled 'Project Skill Enhancement Program' (PSEP). Where in Army food service personnel selected by a grueling selection board process earned a place of duty for sixteen weeks working under the tutelage of German Chefs at premier restaurants selected by the Attorney for the BayerisherHotel and Gaststätten Verband (BHG) at locations in nearby German towns and cities. This Program ran for ten consecutive years before changes began in earnest for Forces in Europe. He was the leader who had a vision on how to get improved food service for his soldiers via the PSEP where learned German cuisine and service practices were incorporated into regular Army dining facilies.
1sg Ret Luis G. Pillot
June 5, 2015
As a young private to a Sargent I learned a lot of leadership and responsibility and respect from him.I also have great memories of his leadership. You have my deepest condolences. I will always miss him, This nation has lost a great leader
Mike Rozos
June 4, 2015
I was an 18 year old private in Wurzburg, Germany when I met the general by accident while talking to his driver. I had never met a major general before and was quite intimidated. Even though he seemed like a leader on the move, he paused momentarily as if to allow me to finish my conversation, which amazed me. While the whole encounter was probably five seconds, I could not help but notice and remember that courteous pause for an 18 year old boy just learning how to be a soldier, even though he was the commanding general! It was as if he was keenly aware that small staff interactions mattered.
February 6, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of a man I admired immensely. We spent some interesting times behind closed doors discussing something other than his job as a Colonel, and later as the Post Commander at Ft. Leavenworth. Our discussions didn't have anything to do with the cold war, Germany or any other military achievements he had chalked up over an incredible career! Nope, our discussions had to do with his hobby and my livelihood, woodworking! Though I had an education degree in Industrial Technology, and the plant manager of the Wood Shop at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks (USDB), I soon found out this man possessed woodworking knowledge far above my expertise. He enjoyed mentoring me over the years. He was never condescending or arrogant. He simply wanted to make me better at what I did. I retired from the USDB in 2004 and through the years, I have thought of this man quite often. Why, because I respected him. Of all the educators I have come in contact with, grade school, high school and college, two stand out, my one room country grade school teacher, and General Wilson "Dutch" Shoffner. It is so ironic, on Feb. 6th, after all this time, I decided to google General Shoffner just to say hey! So, hey General Shoffner, peace be with you, and thank you for being who you were to this woodworker.
Your student
Clyde Cozad
February 4, 2014
My deepest condolences for the family.He was my commander in the 3rd BN 79th FA Giessen Germany. I not only respected him but also admired and learned a lot from him. Hard Chargers
1SG (RET) Luis G. Pillot
James Buckner
January 16, 2014
My deepest condolences Beverly. I was the Deputy Division Chaplain in Wuertzburg when the General was Division Commander. Blessings to you and your family as you mourn his passing.
Chaplain (COL) James A. Buckner, USA, Ret
LTC (Ret) Lester Grau, PhD
January 14, 2014
My condolences for the family. The nation has lost a leader with vision, drive, perception and dedication. The family has lost a compassionate, caring father and guide. I worked for General Shoffner at the Foreign Military Studies Office, Fort Leavenworth, as a Russian-speaker/analyst. Dutch was instrumental in creating positive Soviet-American military contacts in the closing days of the Cold War. He will be missed by his family and all who had the opportunity to meet this great man. Rest in peace brother soldier. Meet you on the other side.
January 14, 2014
To the entire extended Shoffner family, please accept the sincere condolences of those who worked at the US Army's Soviet Army Studies Office. LTG Shoffner was an incredible man of vision. He foresaw the necessity of working with the old USSR when others did not. He supported our office and enabled Fort Leavenworth to take the lead in Russian-US peacekeeping operations. Beverly was always there to be his right arm, as she and Exective Services hosted a number of Russian-US dinners. Our relations with that great nation were enhanced due to his perseverance and interest.
Most sincerely, Tina and Tim Thomas
January 14, 2014
General Shoffer was an outstanding officer and a man of great vision. It was my pleasure to serve under his command. Dr. Jacob Kipp, FMSO
Ron Knight
January 12, 2014
I worked for VP Dutch Shoffner as a Director of Technology while at Lockheed Martin. He was a brilliant man, with great vision and a remarkable leader. He will be missed.
Dan Jeffries
January 9, 2014
I was a young Military Policeman stationed on Leighton Barracks in Wurzburg when Gen. Shoffner was the Division Commander. Every hour we had to park in front of his house and walk around, making sure everything was okay. Occasionally he would come outside and say hello, or ask if we needed anything. It was a privilege to serve under him. Rock of the Marne!
Diane Schulz
January 9, 2014
Alan and Andy,
I am lost to know both Beverly and the General have left us all here on earth. When I heard from Jim before Christmas that your Mom had gone, I was concerned for your Dad. Now I know he will be well.
Your parents did so much for Carafano and I through the years. Luke will always remember his first grown up "General's Dinner" at their house in Germany. Their giving spirit and loving hearts will live on in my heart forever.
Jack Haley
January 9, 2014
I had the honor of serving with Dutch and admired his tenacity and methodic approach to first understand and then solve the problems presented to him. He made significant contributions to the Army and the soldiers who defend this nation.
Jack Haley
SFC(R) Daniel Quinones
January 9, 2014
My condolences to the Shoffner family. I served under his command at HQ's 3rd ID in Wurzburg, Germany in the early 90's. Great leader and mentor.
Sherry Wolfe
January 8, 2014
I was Gen. Shoffner's executive assistant for the 10 years he was with Lockheed Martin. I am very sad for the family but happy for him to once again be well and with his beloved wife. My prayers are with the Shoffner family.
January 8, 2014
I served with Dutch as his speechwriter in Army Operations in the Pentagon and later as his Chief of Force Design at Fort Leavenworth. He had a great analytical mind, bulldog perseverance and was a fine mentor-provided you learned to meet his high standards. His efforts helped our Army immeasurably during the latter stages of the Cold War. He will be sorely missed by all who served with him. May God welcome him home and comfort his family -- Phil Webb
Bill Millspaugh
January 8, 2014
I have been crossing paths with Dutch since 1966 when he was Captain Shoffner at the Field Artillery Board. I worked for him when he was the Chief of the Analysis Division at Fort Sill. I remember our wide ranging conversations fondly. Dutch was a great thinker and problem solver. He was a remarkable man who will be greatly missed by me, the Army, and those with whom he worked.
Tom Henion
January 8, 2014
My deepest condolences to the Shoffner family. I was his aide-de-camp in 3ID and remember with great pride being on his team.
SSG Scott McCrary
January 8, 2014
Rock of The Marne, Sir!
Bill Krondak
January 7, 2014
Please accept my sympathy for your loss. I worked with Dutch both at Fort Sill and Fort Leavenworth and have many memories of those times.
Walter Delashmit
January 7, 2014
I remember Dutch very well from Lockheed Martin Missiles and Electronics in Grand Prairie, Texas. He was a fine man and will be missed.
Dr. Walter H. Delashmit
Delbert Heskett
January 7, 2014
My condolences to the Shoffner family. I knew General Shoffner when we were both in ROTC at OSU. I was a sophomore and he was a senior. We were also in the student chapter of the Society of American Military Engineers. He was an impressive leader, even in ROTC, and seemed destined for great accomplishments.
Delbert Heskett, MD
Galen Creighton
January 7, 2014
Al, Carron, Andy, and Kim
I was so sorry to learn that Dutch had passed. Your family will remain in my prayers. So sorry I can't be with you. God bless.
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