John E. Schaffer

John E. Schaffer, age 93 of New Trier, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday afternoon, November 22, 2025.

John Edward, the son of John P. and Marie (Weiland) Schaffer, was born at the family farm in New Trier on April 16, 1932. John attended St. Mary's Catholic School and on May 30, 1955, he was united in marriage to Florence Fox at St. Pius Catholic Church in Cannon Falls. They lived on the family farm and were blessed with seven children and many wonderful memories prior to her passing on June 15, 1998, after forty-two years of marriage. John later married Darlene (Jarman) Burvee on May 27, 2000, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in New Trier. She also later preceded him in death on September 5, 2016.

John was a life-long farmer in the Hampton and New Trier area. His love for the land, crops, and livestock was shown through the countless years of his life. Outside of farming, John was also worked at Peavey (now ConAgra), Hudson Sprayers, drove truck for various local farmers, and was always someone you could call when you needed a hand. He was a dedicated member at St. Mary's Catholic Church and School where he participated in a variety of roles over the years. John enjoyed his countless snowmobile trips with family and friends, gardening, fishing, and spending time with family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Florence and Darlene; son, John F.; and by his eight siblings.

John is survived by his children, Cindy Schaffer, Marilyn (Dave) Cook, Bernadette (Bud) Bien, Kitty (Nick Peine) Molitor, Joan (Kevin) Brochman, and Betty Jo Schaffer; twelve grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren; and by other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in New Trier, with Father Michael Tix officiating. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., and to a reception following the burial, all at St. Mary's Catholic Church on December 2, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, John's family kindly requests memorials be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church in his memory.

Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.