Clifford Willard Shaffer, Jr.

CLIFFORD WILLARD SHAFFER Jr. 1930 - 2014 Clifford Willard Shaffer Jr. age 83 of Omaha, NE passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2014 at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, NE. Clifford was born on December 23, 1930 to Clifford Willard Sr. and Nellie Way (Barnell) Shaffer in Sterling, NE. He was raised and schooled in Columbus, NE and graduated from Columbus High School with the class of 1948. After graduating from high school he attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where he played on the freshman football team. He transferred to Wesleyan University in Lincoln for two years and played on the varsity football team. With the event of the Korean Conflict, he enlisted in the US Marines serving in Korea from February 1951 until August of 1952. After serving in the Marines, Cliff returned home and continued his education at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, graduating in 1954 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Zoology, minoring in and Botany and Philosophy. After graduating from UNL, he began working for the Union Pacific Railroad. He retired from the railroad in 1988 as the Executive Director of Security and Special Services. Cliff met the love of his life Barbara Louise Montenero and they were later married on April 22, 1978 at Westwood Church in Omaha, NE. After retiring, Cliff volunteered his time at Nebraska Masonic Home in Plattsmouth for ten plus years, where he officiated many funerals for the deceased residences at the home. Cliff also wrote a magazine article titled "Once Around the Block" for The Old Market Encounter Magazine which his wife Barbara published. Cliff and Barb made their home in the Omaha Metro area. He was a member of First Lutheran Church and Nebraska Masonic Lodge #1 both of Omaha, NE. Clifford is survived by his wife: Barbara Shaffer of Papillion, NE, previous wife: Beverly of Omaha, NE, two daughters: Corey Camille Aldy and husband Matt of Omaha, NE, Jacque Zimmerer and husband Tim of Papillion, NE, six grandchildren: Jacob Zimmerer and wife Chelsea of Elkhorn, NE, C.J. Zimmerer of Papillion, NE, Brandon Aldy of Omaha, NE, Nathan Zimmerer of Papillion, NE, Neely Aldy of Omaha, NE, Hannah Zimmerer of Papillion, NE, three cousins, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Clifford Sr. and Nellie Shaffer and daughter Denise Shaffer. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, April 11, 2014 at the Nebraska Masonic Home Chapel in Plattsmouth, NE with Pastor Judith Rainforth officiating, Terry Little as vocalist, and Chris Abbott as pianist. A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, April 11, 2014 at Columbus Cemetery in Columbus, NE. Pallbearers will be Cliff's grandchildren; Jacob Zimmerer, C.J. Zimmerer, Brandon Aldy, Nathan Zimmerer, Neely Aldy, and Hannah Zimmerer. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Nebraska Masonic Home.

Clifford Willard Shaffer, Jr.

December 23, 1930 - April 6, 2014