Terry Lee Schaffer

TERRY LEE SCHAFFER


Terry was born on July 6, 1952, in LaCrosse, KS, to Delores (Foos) Schaffer and Eddie J Schaffer.

In 1956, Terry and his parents moved to Denver, Colorado. He had two younger sisters, Anise Marie Irvin, born October 1959; and Shelly Dee Irvin, born September 1961. Shelly passed at the age of 4 months. His stepfather passed in 1963.

Delores and Eddie remarried in 1964 and moved to the family residence in Arvada. Terry attended Westminster High School. The day after he turned 17, Terry enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was an engineman on the U.S.S. Chewaucan and sailed the Mediterranean Sea from 1970 – 1972. Being in the Navy was one of his biggest accomplishments in life, and he was proud to serve his country. Upon his honorable discharge, Terry returned to the Denver area for a year or so.

Kansas always had a pull on Terry's soul. In 1974, he returned to his birthplace LaCrosse. Here he met the love of his life, Ruth Depperschmidt, and they were married October 1975.

Terry worked for the LaCrosse Power Plant, in the oil fields, and then at Larned State Hospital.

Their son, Casey Lee, was born May 1980. Terry's family relocated to Denver in 1984. Terry began his career as a truck driver. Their daughter, Lori Marie, was born April 1986. His children were always the spotlight of his love—he absolutely adored both of them and was always very proud.

Although his marriage ended in divorce, Ruth remained an integral part of Terry's life—helping to ensure he had a continued positive relationship with his children. Terry never remarried—Ruth was always in his heart.

The final highlights of his 59-year old life were the marriage of his son, Casey, to Jenice in 2008, and the birth of his granddaughter, Payton Leigh in January 2010. Payton was his "little sugar mouse." His was very proud of his daughter, Lori, for pursuing a nursing degree.

Terry was a simple man. He didn't require much in the way of possessions or money to be satisfied. For his first several years of life, both sets of his grandparents played a significant role in helping raise him. He always kept a loving relationship with them; and he was their "Sonny." Perhaps he might have better fit in their era.

Terry was very sensitive and sentimental—he wore his heart on his sleeve. He wasn't afraid to shed a tear or show his emotions to those who cared about him.
Terry was generous—he was always willing to share a dollar with a stranger or a meal with a neighbor. Terry was polite. He was always the first to hold open a door, address folks by "sir" or "ma'am," or to wish a stranger a "good day" or a "God Bless."

Terry truly believed in God. But, to be certain, Terry was no saint. He pretty much lived up to the reputation that many sailors and truckers have. He had full command of a "colorful" vocabulary—to say the least. He was a real character, through and through--a jokester—a prankster—a drinker—a smoker—loud and cantankerous—and always ready for a good time.

His unwavering loyalty and devotion to his mother was life long. He and Anise shared a strong and enduring bond—from their childhood through adulthood. His parting words to family were always "I love you" and those ties were irrevocably strong through good times and bad. Because of Terry's outward persona, many people couldn't fathom or understand the warmth, caring, and love Terry had to share. If he loved you, YOU WERE LOVED—to your very core—FOREVER.

Terry struggled with the debilitating disease of alcoholism. Several years ago he stopped drinking and remained sober for approximately 18 months. Unfortunately, his last few years were filled with a multitude of major medical challenges and he lost the battle. Alcoholism has no prejudice—it doesn't matter your age, gender, race, wealth, or social status.

Terry passed on Ash Wednesday, February 22—leaving behind all his pain. He had been waiting and was ready to begin his new life. He is at peace.

He was preceded in death by his baby sister, Shelly Dee Irvin; his father, Eddie Schaffer; his grandparents; Jacob and Josephine (Shupman) Schaffer; his grandparents Ed and Thelma (Nunemaker) Foos; and his aunt Clydai (Schaffer) Flamik.

Terry's survivors are his daughter Lori Marie; his son Casey Lee and daughter-in-law Jenice; his granddaughter Payton Leigh; his mother Delores Schaffer, his former wife Ruth Schaffer; and his sister Anise (Irvin) Herod and brother-in-law Dan.