Obituary: Floyd Gerald “Bud” Shafer
Floyd Gerald “Bud” Shafer, 94, of Reedsburg, WI, passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison.
Bud was born on December 23, 1928 in Sparta, WI, to the late Floyd and Georgia (Dinger) Shafer. On July 3, 1953 Floyd married Lucyle Thorelius. Following Lucyle’s passing in 2003, he married Barbara (Stewart) on September 18, 2010.
He worked many jobs throughout his career including truck driver, furniture mover, and the most important job, in his eyes, was driving school bus for the Head Start program. Children were a true light of his life and they often drew pictures or gifted certificates of appreciation to Bud. Following his retirement, he began volunteering for Circus World Museum in Baraboo, WI. This quickly became one of his very favorite hobbies.
Bud was an avid read and collector of Field and Stream Magazine, as well as, Log Home Living. He was an outdoor enthusiast who greatly enjoyed deer hunting and most of all fishing. He could often be found tinkering away on homemade lures or wooden toys, and teaching the trades to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The most memorable trait of Floyd was his unwavering compassion for others. His only wish was to help those around him and take care of as many needs as he was able. His bright sense of humor and giving spirit made him a true joy to those who knew him.
In addition to his wife, Barbara, he is also survived by his daughter-in-law Joanne Shafer; grandson William (Kortney) Shafer; granddaughters Casey Mathis, Erica (Luke) Messer, and Danielle (Phil) Baumgartner; in addition to his 11 great-grandchildren: Brennan, Skyler, Easton, Brayden, Jaylynn, Mackenzie, Brynlee, Kinsley, Madison, Mason and Brady.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lucyle (Thorelius) Shafer; and sons, Gerald Shafer and Frederick Shafer.
A time of memorial visitation for Floyd “Bud” took place on Friday, January 6, 2023 from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. at the Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg. Private family burial at Greenwood Cemetery followed.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials be given in Bud’s name to Circus World Museum (C/O 550 Water Street, Baraboo, WI 53913.
The Farber Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
