Steven Schaffer, 68
Steven Scott Schaffer, 68, son of Cecil Forrest and Marjorie Jean (Maxwell) Schaffer, was born in Red Oak on Jan. 10, 1958. He unexpectedly entered into eternal rest on April 26, 2026, at Methodist Jennie Edmondson Hospital in Omaha, Neb.
He grew up and graduated from Red Oak and then attended and graduated from Iowa Western in 1976. Red Oak was a place that helped shape Steve’s values of hard work, resilience, and a strong sense of family. Those qualities stayed with him throughout his life and guided the way he showed up for the people around him. He built a life centered on family, raising three children between Hastings and Red Oak. He showed his family what it meant to be patient, never give up and to care deeply for others. He often did this in his own quiet behind the scenes way.
Later in life, Steve found love again with Andrea. The couple married on Dec. 17, 2011, in Tabor, and together they made a home in Tabor for the last 17 years. He didn’t just gain a partner, he embraced a large family, helping raise three stepkids and continuing to give himself in the same generous, patient, caring way.
One of his greatest joys in life was his 10 grandchildren. Each one brought him pride and happiness. He loved to tease his grandkids as well as pretty much anyone he encountered. Steve loved Nascar, the Green Bay Packers, golf, and watching M.A.S.H. or Sci-Fi on television, staying busy with home improvements, camping, and most of all eating a good hot dog! From 1977 – 2007, Steve operated Schaffer and Son’s Construction. Since 2007, Steve had worked for Omaha Door and Window.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Cecil and Marjorie Schaffer. Those left to cherish his memory are wife, Andrea Schaffer of Tabor; son, Michael Schaffer of Woodward; son, Brian Schaffer of Durango, Colo.; daughter, Sara Wiese of Elkhorn, Neb.; stepson, Zack Bond of Tabor; stepson, Tristen Emery of Hopkins, Mo.; stepdaughter, Shay (Quentin) Ash of Collinsville, Okla.; 10 grandchildren; sister, Norma Schaffer of Omaha, Neb.; other relatives and numerous friends.
Steve’s life wasn’t about where he lived but how. He showed up for everyone without question. His commitment to family shined through in everything he did. He will be greatly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, and his daycare grandchildren, all of whom will carry his lessons in love, patience, and humor with them.
A memorial service was held at the Nishna Valley Funeral Home in Tabor on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 2 p.m. Burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Red Oak immediately followed the service. Memorials may be directed to the family for designation. Professional services were under the direction of Nishna Valley Funeral Home in Tabor.