George E. Shaffer, of Valparaiso, passed away Saturday, Nov. 4, 2006 at VNA Horton Hospice Center, Valparaiso. He was 58.

He was born Sept. 12, 1948 in Gary, the son of Ralph Guy and Virginia (Stemple) Shaffer, both of whom preceded him in death.

On Nov. 19, 1990 in Hobart, he married Bonnie K. Curran, who survives in Valparaiso.

He is also survived by seven children, Mary (David) Eggers of Valparaiso, Harry (Julie) Mendoza of Valparaiso, John Patrick (Rhonda) Mendoza of Westville, Gregory (Kimberly) Shaffer of Michigan, Christopher (Marie) Mendoza of Portage, Phillip Shaffer of Portage and Kathleen (Ben) Cooke of Ill.; 15 grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by two grandchildren, a sister Cora Krajcir and two brothers Ralph Jr. and John.

George was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Chesterton. He was a graduate of Gary Emerson High School. He was employed by U.S.X. in Gary with 35 years of service, where he was a furnace operator and worked in #19 warehouse. He was a member of Local #1014, United Steel Workers of America. He was an avid pool-player. He was very family oriented and dearly loved his family. He also enjoyed working in the garden.

A Mass of Christian Burial, Fr. Terry Bennis officiating, will be offered at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8 at St. Patrick Church, 638 Calumet Rd.

The family will receive friends from 3-8 p.m. Tuesday at White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S. 2nd St. Chesterton. Rosary will be recited at 5:30 p.m. at the Funeral Home.

Memorials may be given to the Horton VNA Hospice Center, 501 Marquette St., Valparaiso, IN 46383-2508.

Posted 11/6/2006