Theodore M Schaffer

Hilbert WI

Theodore M. “Ted” Schaffer, age 72, of Hilbert, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at his hunting land in La Branche, Michigan.  He was born October 16, 1950 in Appleton, son of the late Matthew & Lorraine (Huebner) Schaffer.  

Ted attended St. Peter Lutheran School and graduated from Hilbert High School. On July 26, 1969, he married his high school sweetheart, Linda Brantmeier, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sherwood where they remained members throughout their lives.

He began his working career with Wisconsin Electric Power Company, now known as WE Energies, as a Line Mechanic and retired as an Electrician after 41 years of dedicated service.  Ted truly appreciated his 12 years of retirement and squeezed as much life and fun as he could into those years with all those he loved.
 
Not just in retirement, but throughout his life, Ted looked forward to the annual Butch’s Brew Crew fishing trip, hunting excursions to La Branche, Michigan, spending time at various family lake homes, exploring the Wild Rose area, making memories at Door County family weekend, and ice fishing/sturgeon spearing with his dear friend, Gary, on Lake Winnebago.
 
Ted enjoyed putting his mind to work solving all of the world’s problems while he was working on his John Deere 40, cutting wood, mowing the lawn or picking hickory nuts.  The wood he made was put to good use at campfires and cozy fires at home during cold Wisconsin winters. He was well known for his homemade salsa and chili that he enjoyed sharing with family and friends. It was also universally recognized that Ted loved water, especially if it was frozen and surrounded by a delicious Old Fashioned.  

Above all else, Ted loved time spent with his family, especially the many camping and road trip adventures with his beloved wife, Linda. He knew nearly every country road in Wisconsin and maybe one or two small taverns along the way. Travels were not just limited to areas around his home state, but adventures and memories during trips to Pensacola (FL), Branson (MO), Ireland, Amsterdam, Germany, France, and Switzerland. He was the biggest fan of all of his grandchildren through their sporting careers and was always eager to head out with his entire family on the next camping adventure. Each year, he hosted “Camp Schaffer” where he “loved” to clean up after his son-in-law’s fireworks display. He was also ready for annual cheese runs while camping at Vista Royale Campground. His love of adventure and willingness to have fun will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all those who loved him.
 
Survivors include his wife: Linda; his children: Scott (Kay) Schaffer, Todd (Tracie) Schaffer, Heather (Ryan) Kolosso; his grandchildren: Abbey (Tom) Kiem, Drake Schaffer, Carly Schaffer and her fiancé, Will Durand, Peyton Schaffer and her special friend, Hayden Thiel, Garrett Schaffer, Grant Schaffer, Hannah Schaffer, Matthias Schaffer, Kennedy Kolosso, Ireland Kolosso; his siblings: Nancy Diermeier, Susan Reeves; and his siblings-in-law: Patricia Schaffer, Jan Brantmeier, Mary Brantmeier, Jane (Art) Thiel, Don (Mariann) Brantmeier, Dave (Debbie) Brantmeier. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

Ted was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, Butch and Mary Brantmeier; his brother: Jim Schaffer; and his siblings-in-law: Don Reeves, Jerry Diermeier, Dick Brantmeier, and Tom Brantmeier.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at St. John Sacred Heart Catholic Church (N369 Military Road) in Sherwood with Rev. Michael Betley officiating.  Friends may call at the church from 10:00 am until 12:45 pm on Wednesday, November 23, 2022. Those wishing to watch a livestream or archived recording of the service, view flowers and gifts given to the family, or watch a memorial video in honor of Ted may do so by clicking HERE.