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Dean Shaffer Obituary
PEKIN - United States Army Sergeant Dean Russell Shaffer, 23, passed away Thursday, April 19, 2012, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to A Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade.
Shaffer was born March 21, 1989, in Fort Myers, Florida, to Dean Randolph and Susan Marie (Rasbeck) Shaffer.
Surviving are his mother, Susan Shaffer of Peoria; father and stepmother, Dean "Randy" and Jolyn Shaffer of Fallon, Nev.; one sister, Jennifer Davis of Pekin; one niece, Emily Davis; one nephew, Mason Davis; and grandparents, Mary Rasbeck of North Fort Myers, Fla., Denton Shaffer of Florida, and Sherry and Mark Taylor of Fallon, Nev.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, John Rasbeck.
Dean was a 2007 graduate of Pekin Community High School, where he participated in the JROTC program and graduated with the rank of cadet sergeant major. He was a member of the JROTC Honor Guard, Color Guard, Drill Team, Physical Fitness Team, Academic Team, and Orienteering Team. He was the recipient of the first PCHS JROTC Career and Technical Education Award.
During his high school years, Dean worked at Steak 'n Shake in Pekin for several years. He enjoyed playing video games and paintballing. Sgt. Shaffer has been posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and the Combat Aviation Badge.
His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday, April 30, 2012, at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial with be at Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin, where full military honors will be accorded by the United States Army.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the USO of Illinois (United Service Organizations), 333 S. Wabash Ave., 16th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dean Shaffer
Mike Callihan
October 25, 2020
RIP. Thank you for your Service!
Melissa Arispe
June 16, 2020
To Deans mother.I know its been8yrs susan but I know theres a day that goes by you dont think of your son.I think of him often to.much love to you susan.your friend melissa Arispe june16,2020 Texas
Sleep well into the new year.
Sherry Viray
January 1, 2016
2nd Year Death Anniversary Tree Memorial AVN HQ Wheeler Army Airfield
Sherry Viray
April 20, 2014
Charlie Gili
June 1, 2013
Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and to also let the Shaffer Family know that we recently sent Care Packages to American troops in the war zones. Each box carried a dedication sheet that includes the name, service information and a photo of your loved one. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals in the youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
Jeff Wright
May 25, 2012
I am still coping with this news, and am terribly sorry for the loss of this fine and brave young man. Funny, it seems I can no longer call him a kid anymore.
As Dean's recruiter in Pekin, I found him to be one of the nicest kids I met out there, and an old soul at the same time. He rarely had a harsh word for anyone, and was always willing to help someone should they need it.
One day this will all make sense, and then again, maybe it won't.
To his family, I sincerly send out my condolences, and my offer to help you in any way should you need it.
MacDaniel
May 13, 2012
I know there are no words to say at this time, except how sorry that I am. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Dean will never be forgotten.
For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I'm home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I'm only a civilian
And I don't even know if it's allowed
But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.
For those missing in action;
for those who didn't make it home.
I know you're in God's presence you are not alone.
For every neatly folded flag;
for every shattered family
I will do the only thing I know to dignify your memory.
I salute you, allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
my humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you .
I Salute You.
Suzanne MacDaniel - A Proud Aunt
Colonie, NY
SGT. David M. Fisher
KIA 12/1/04 - Iraq
Sierra Molina
May 8, 2012
My deepest condolences to the family of sgt. Dean Shaffer, my name is Sierra Molina, wife of Jose Molina. Shaffer and my husband Jose were so incredibly close. When I finally moved out to Hawaii I had the honor of meeting and getting to know Shaffer. He was truly a great man, always a smile on his face, always joking and being the life of the party. He wasn't afraid to be silly or be straight forward. He was sure of himself and knew the man he was. There were many times he was there to give my husband a kick in the butt when he needed it the most. My husband took the news of his passing very hard. I just want to tell Shaffer, rest easy and I'm so damn proud of you. Watch over all our guys out there. We love you and you will always be missed.
Daniel Wilson
May 4, 2012
I grieve your loss, I appreciate your sacrifice.. Your loss diminishes us all. My condolences to your family and loved ones... Thank you is not enough.
An American Veteran
May 2, 2012
Heartfelt condolences for the famiy and friends of this brave man.
I have read there are only two people that have died for you, Jesus Christ who died to save your soul and The American Soldier who died to save your freedom.
God Bless Our American Soliders... past, present and future.
Lynne Neibert
April 30, 2012
Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers ([email protected]) is an organization with groups throughout the country who strive to send handmade prayer shawls and/ or lap robes to families who have lost a loved one in service to our country. Members of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA would like to honor your son's sacrifice and memory by sending our prayers and comfort through a shawl which we will mail to you. If you are interested, please contact me at [email protected] with the names and addresses and what they would like to receive. We will send them as soon as possible. Also, if you know of any other families who are grieving the loss of a loved one who died serving our country, please pass along my e-mail address, as our organization can no longer get family contacts through the military. May God bless you and comfort you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Lynne
Kristie Dunlap
April 29, 2012
My deepest sympathy goes to your family. Friends and relatives will help you get through the next few days, but your memories will help you get through the months and years ahead. I thank your brave son for his service to our Country. God is walking with him now and forever.
R Hills
April 29, 2012
I am so very sorry for your loss. I pray it eases your pain to know that so many people are mourning your loss and are so very grateful for a brave young man that gave the ultimate sacrifice. Rest in Peace Dean.
Sylvia Kronenwetter
April 28, 2012
Please accept my deepest sympathy
for the loss of your loved one and
Hero Dean, and my sincerest gratitude
for his service.
God Bless you Sgt. Dean R. Shaffer...
you will not be forgotten.
Becky Sanford
April 27, 2012
Thank you for your service to our nation. We are truly grateful. I pray the Lord gives your family peace and comfort during this time of loss.
Alicia Smith
April 27, 2012
God Bless and thank you for your service.
Jennifer W.
April 27, 2012
No words can be said for the sadness and loss that you are feeling. But hopefully knowing that your son is a hero to so many, and that the future soldiers that will come out of Pekin will look up to him as an inspiration of what courage is. Thou sorrow may fade from our faces, please remember that your son's sacrifice will never fade from our hearts! Peace be will all!!
Patricia Taylor
April 27, 2012
God Blessings to his family, and Good speed to Dean.
K M
April 27, 2012
God Bless Dean for giving the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of us. Prays to your family during this difficult time! (Mother of a 22 year old serving in the Air National Guard)
Andy Bumbales
April 27, 2012
May God Bless this wonderful young man and all that serve in our Armed Forces.
Bridget Allen
April 27, 2012
I do not know your son but myself and my family are very thankful for him serving our country. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time. RIP Dean.
Kylee & Lance
April 27, 2012
We are sad that someone as nice and giving as Dean is gone from you and from all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the Celebration of Dean's Life What a great guy! We salute you Dean!
With heartfelt sympathy,
Kylee & Lance
Pekin, IL.
Jamie & Pam Lotz
April 27, 2012
We do not know your son but are very thankful for him serving our country and protecting us. Our thoughts & prayers are with you threw this time of sorrow. God Bless your whole family.
Rick & Linda Campen
April 27, 2012
We do not know your son but we are thankful to him and you for his service to our country. He is a true hero in our eyes. We are so terribly sorry for your loss, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
An American
April 27, 2012
Thank you for your service. RIP.
PC Allen
April 26, 2012
Dean, I know your in Heaven smiling down on those whom you loved and the countless others your life and death touched. You have taken a part of heart with you, but with Gods grace we will someday met again. Blessings & love. The Smiths and Allens
Christy Spitznagle/Naylor
April 25, 2012
My heart is saddened for your families loss. I feel honored that we were able to be a part of Deans' life. He was a remarkable young man and was a true friend to my son. He will never be forgotten and we will treasure the fond memories we shared with him.
Terry Barth
April 25, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are ongoing.
April 25, 2012
Our family is so sorry for your loss.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
The Kirton Family
Army CPL Brandon Kirton
KIA 5/18/11 - Afghanistan
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