Gary Lynn Shaffer was a man who lived his life in the service of others. He was a devoted family man who never met a stranger and would put others before himself.  Born on October 18, 1942, to Kenneth and Lucile Shaffer at Burke, SD, he was the oldest of four children. Gary attended school in Burke until he went to college at the University of South Dakota – Springfield. Gary moved back to Burke to work on the family farm. Gary married the love of his life, Mary Ann Marek on December 22, 1963.  To this union, two children were born, Teri and Jerry.

Gary and Mary Ann operated a dairy farm near Burke for many years before moving to a farm south of Burke where they continued their dairy farming. They raised cattle, sheep, horses, pigs and chickens. Gary also drove a semi-truck for several years. Gary and Mary Ann operated S&S Hunter Service for several years where they met many people from all over the United States and created many lasting friendships.

Gary enjoyed gardening, rodeos and socializing. He was preceded in death by Mary Ann. After Mary Ann's death, he continued to live on the farm until September 2023, when he moved to Texas to be closer to his great-grand children and to escape the South Dakota winters. In Texas, he built a small home near his daughter and son-in-law. He lived peacefully in his little house by the lake and enjoyed watching the wildlife from his front porch with his faithful companion, his dog Moose. He had several animals that he took care of at his new home. He would feed a cat, several deer, raccoons and a frog or two.

On Sunday, June 15, 2025, Gary went to be with the Lord. His children were both at his bedside when he passed.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ann, his father Kenneth, his mother Lucile and his stepfather Alf.

Gary's legacy lives on through his children, Teri (Paul) Bichler of Lindale, TX and Jerry (Andrea) Shaffer of Seargeant Bluff, IA; three granddaughters, Jessica (Chris) Lane of Rockwall, TX, Madisyn Shaffer of Charlotte, NC and Skylar Shaffer of Seargent Bluff, IA; two great granddaughters, Cora and Ember of Rockwall, TX, He is also survived by his three siblings, DeElda (Dale) Westby of St. Charles, MO, Loris (Jayne) Shaffer of Huron, SD and Marlys Dotson of Colorado Springs, CO., as well as many other family members and friends.

Gary Shaffer will be deeply missed by all who loved him, but his memory will always be cherished.

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Funeral services for Gary Shaffer will be held on Monday, July 7th, 2025, at the Burke United Methodist Church in Burke, SD at 10:30 am. Burial will be at the Graceland Cemetery in Burke, SD.