Shaffer, Elaine J.

Elaine J. Shaffer, age 89, of Dodgeville, peacefully departed from us on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Upland Hills Nursing and Rehab Center in Dodgeville, where she had resided for the past five and a half years. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Elaine was born on July 4, 1934, in Hampton, Iowa, the daughter of Fred and Elsie Bruns. Elaine and Robert Shaffer tied the knot on August 1, 1959 at Immanuel Evangelical Church in Latimer, Iowa. Elaine dedicated herself to nurturing their family while supporting Robert's career in concrete, which took them to different parts of Iowa. In 1972, they found their permanent home in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. It was there that Elaine established herself as a talented seamstress, lending her skills to the community with passion and dedication. She continued her work sewing for Kozelka – Wall late into her life, and her love for sewing never waned.

In addition to her work, Elaine generously offered her time to babysit for family members and friends in Dodgeville. She treated every child she cared for as if they were her own grandchildren, fostering a loving and nurturing environment.

Elaine was a deeply spiritual individual who actively participated in her community church. She found joy in playing the organ, singing hymns, and surrounding herself with gospel music at home.

Elaine is survived by her sister, Kathy Larsen; four beloved children: Jon (Jennifer) Shaffer, Julie Woerpel (Brian Roh), Joye (Mike) Gibbs, and Janice (Rob) Wand; nine grandchildren: Tyler Woerpel (Melissa Delaney), Shawn (Hailey) Woerpel, Sarah Woerpel, Ashley (Matt) Schlarmann, Hunter Wand, Dylan (Rebekah) Shaffer, Justin (Lydia) Davis, and Jennifer Davis. She was also blessed with thirteen great-grandchildren, whom she cherished dearly: Ashton, Amber, Avery, Atlee, Jaydee, Onnalisa, Emberlyn, Eli, Jacen, Cash, Zane, Willow, and Jaymey.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her parents, Fred and Elsie; and six siblings, Max, Curtis, Dean, Gary, Chuck, and Caren.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 1, 2024 at the GORGEN-McGINLEY & AYERS FUNERAL HOME in Dodgeville. A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:50 p.m. on Monday, April 1, 2024 at the funeral home.

A luncheon will follow at the Fayette Saloon.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Upland Hills NRC or Upland Hills Hospice.

Elaine’s family would like to thank Dr. Gary Grunow for his years of providing care to Elaine and Robert. They would also like to thank Upland Hills NRC for their accommodation and care for the last five and a half years, as well as Upland Hills Hospice for their care.

Gorgen-McGinley & Ayers 

Funeral Home

www.gorgenfh.com