Albert Schaffler

Albert "Al" B. Schaffler passed away unexpectedly on December 30, 2025. He was born July 17,

1938, at Ft. Lewis to Albert J. and Mildred Schaffler. Al graduated from Frankfurt American High

School in 1956 when his father was stationed in Germany. In 1961 he was a distinguished Army

ROTC graduate at the University of Washington. He then spent 24 years in the military reaching

the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In 1977 he earned an MBA from Auburn University while also

attending the Air Command & Staff College in Alabama. Duty stations included several posts in

the United States as well as overseas in Korea, Germany, Japan, and in Vietnam where he was

awarded a Bronze Star.

He married Ruth Gunderson in a military ceremony at the Ft. Lewis Main Chapel on December

7, 1963. Together they raised three children. Al retired from active duty in 1985 and returned to

WA. He then worked for the City of Tacoma briefly before employment by the State of WA.

After a second working retirement he became a long-time volunteer course marshal at the

American Lake Golf Course until late 2024.

Al was an avid Mustang enthusiast and a member of Mustangs West Car Club in Olympia for

more than 30 years. His award-winning car was a frequent entrant in area car shows and the

Olympia 4 the of July parades. A large photograph of him in his aqua '68 convertible has hung in

the Lacey Applebee's restaurant for several years.

Preceding him in death are his parents and sister, Margaret Cusworth. He is survived by his wife

Ruth, children Lauri (David) Lawler, Gregory (Amy) Schaffler, and Kristina Schaffler as well as

grandchildren Max and Maggie Schaffler, and Jamie and Jack Lawler. He is also survived by a

younger sister Mildred (Skip) Foss and several nieces and nephews. Al cherished his many

friends and will be greatly missed by all.

Being a soldier was a huge part of Al's life. He was particular about military protocols but

especially his reverence for the American flag. It is only fitting that a flag drapes his urn in honor

of his service. Funeral with military honors and interment at Tahoma National Cemetery will be

his final resting place.