Robert J. Schaffer

Robert J. Schaffer, 83, of Newton, died Sunday, February 9, 2025, at his home. A funeral service will be held at 5:30 p.m., Friday, February 14, 2025, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton. The family will greet friends from 4-5:30 p.m., Friday, February 14, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Robert’s name can be left at the funeral home (please make checks payable to Melissa Gilchrist.)

Robert, the son of John Simon and Luella Mary (Miller) Schaffer, was born November 4, 1941, on the family farm in Lacona. He attended Lacona schools. He served in the U.S. Army from 1962-1964, stationed in Germany. Robert was united in marriage with Sharon Joan Ballard on September 24, 1966, in Bauer. In 1967, he began working for The Maytag Company. He retired from Maytag in 1998 after 31 years of service. Robert also delivered the Newton Daily News and the Des Moines Register for several years, often convincing his children to help him. In his retirement, Robert stayed busy mowing yards for many of his neighbors and others around town, a job he later recruited his grandson, Jacob to help with. He also provided snow removal in the winter months. He enjoyed collecting coins, John Deere tractors, and model cars. Robert could often be found at the YMCA or strolling the neighborhood and talking to his neighbors. He enjoyed Culvers, taco pizza from Giovanni’s, and having ice cream with his grandsons while watching sports. He was a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and enjoyed following Caitlin Clark’s basketball career. Robert was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and had also been a member of the American Legion.

Those left to honor Robert’s memory include his children: Martin Schaffer of Newton, Melissa (Roger) Gilchrist of Newton, and Jason (Sarah) Schaffer of Mahtomedi, MN; his grandsons, Jacob (Jaelyn) Gilchrist and Grayson Schaffer; his great-granddaughter, Gabrielle Gilchrist and a great-grandchild on the way; his siblings: Darlene Bauer, Vera (Harold) Seuferer, Doris Ferguson, Delbert (Sandy) Schaffer, Wayne Schaffer, and Helen Metz; and several nieces and nephews.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sharon in 2011; and siblings: Mervin Schaffer, Marilyn Berg, Lanelle Morrison, Janice Seuferer, Lucy Agan, and Wilma Schaffer.