Russell Dean Schaffer

October 27, 1934 - June 2, 2014

Russell Dean “Russ” Schaffer, of Grand Island, Florida passed away on Monday, June 2, 2014 at the age of 79 years. He was born in Lincoln, Nebraska to the late Henry and Helen Schaffer. He proudly served his country, serving in the US Navy for over 14 years and in the US Army for over 20 years. He served in Vietnam and Desert Storm. After his military careers, Russ retired from his civilian job as a ship surveyor. He was a member of the VFW Post 8046, Norge, VA. He was an outdoor enthusiast and enjoyed being around the water. Russ loved fishing and he liked to swim. He also played softball. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Michael Schaffer and his two brothers, Robert Schaffer and Ronald Schaffer. Russ is remembered and will be dearly missed by his wife of 59 years, Beverly; son, Brian Schaffer of Grand Island; daughter, Lori (Arthur) Surgant of St. Charles, Missouri; 3 grandchildren, Megean (Obadyah) Foord of Richmond, Virginia, Danica Surgant of Chicago, Illinois and Jake Surgant of St. Louis, Missouri; as well as 1 great grandson, Jayce Foord and one great granddaughter due to be born soon, Arianna Foord. A graveside ceremony is scheduled for Friday, June 6, 2014 at 10:00 AM at Lakeside Memory Gardens in Eustis.