Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1933
DIED
2025
Thomas Shafer Obituary
Born: May 27, 1933 in Wheaton, IL
Died: December 8, 2025 in MacAllen, TX
Thomas E. Shafer was born May 27, 1933 in Wheaton IL to Charles and Pauline Shafer. Shortly after WWII, Tom moved to Union IL with his parents where he worked the family chicken farm raising over 2000 fryers every year.
Tom attended Marengo Community High School and played football and at 98 lbs, was referred to as "100 lbs of dynamite on the field". One year out of high school, Tom was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. The war ended before his basic training was completed and Tom served his duty in Fort Campbell, KY in the Combat Engineers division.
Tom married his bride, Dolores of 70 years on October 1st, 1955.
Tom worked as a diesel mechanic for 11 years before joining the Chrysler Corporation in Belvidere IL where he retired after 28 years. He could fix anything mechanical.
Tom liked fishing, camping, boating, collecting guns, target shooting, and tinkering.
He is survived by his wife Dolores (Ueber) Shafer, son Tim and daughter-in-law Jeanie (Gron) Shafer, 3 grandchildren, Amanda, Cassandra (Hoover) and Perry and one great-granddaughter Silvia (Hoover).
A private ceremony for his interment will be held at a future date to be determined.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Shafer
4 Entries
Jean Hamilton
January 4, 2026
Aunt Dee and Tim , sorry to hear about Uncle Tom. I saw this the day before I received Aunt Dee's Xmas card that I was waiting for. I am sorry that we all live so far apart and could not stay in touch all these years. We have wonderful memories of family get together. Love Jeannie (Steffen) and Richard Hamilton
Bev Haase
January 1, 2026
So sorry to learn of Tom´s passing. Prayers for you and your family.
Bill and Karla
December 31, 2025
We cherish our memories of South Turtle Lake, WI, especially canoeing & kayaking together and the annual potluck. Blessings to the beautiful family left behind, in whom Tom's legacy will live on. We send our love along with heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
Amy Hoch Peck
December 31, 2025
Thoughts and prayers with the family. Great memories of MCHS. Amy Hoch
How you can show support
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Shafer's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas Shafer
People and places connected with Thomas
Crystal Lake, IL
Northwest Herald
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Shafer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
