Obituary: Arthur Shafer, 93, of Ludington

Art Shaffer

Obituary: Arthur Shafer, 93, of Ludington

Arthur “Art” William Shafer, 93, of Ludington, passed away April 26, 2023. Art was born May 8, 1929, in Iron Mountain, the son of William H. Shafer and Rose Ann Stafford. He graduated from Ludington High School, class of 1948. On October 22, 1955, he married the love of his life, Donna K. Biederman. 

After high school, Art joined the United States Air Force. He was stationed at the Palermo Air Force Base during the Korean War. After his service, Art was self-employed at the Shafer Masonry until his retirement in 1991. 

Art was a founding father of the DBA. He was also a lifetime member of the American Legion. Art was an avid gardener and often shared his crops with his family and neighbors. He loved walking and traveling. He played fast pitch softball as a catcher and enjoyed bowling on the mixed bowling league. Art was an All-State Honorable Mention for his time playing on the Ludington High School football team. 

Art is survived by his brother, Tom Shafer; sisters-in-law, Marlys Howe, and Carol Biederman; children, Jim (Chris) Shafer — and their children Niki, Michael, and Stephanie — Kelly (David) Hankwitz — and their children Blake and Matthew — Julie (Jeff) Magee — and their children Ryan, Rylee, Torey, Madeline, Meghan, Shafer, and Thomas, and Gerry (Jean) Shafer; great-grandchildren, Lilly, Emma, Chloe, Kegan, Gemma, Edith, Josephine, Grayson, Theodore, Ellie, Frances, and Miles; and many nieces and nephews. 

Art was preceded in death by his parents, William and Rose Shafer; siblings, Harvey, Clarence, Larry, Mary, Emma, Blanche, and Phyllis. 

Memorial contributions in Art’s honor are to support local businesses in Ludington. Have a meal with your family and share your precious memories of Art. His local favorites were Chef John’s European Cafe and Café 106, and the staffs will most likely have their own stories to share about him. Art spent his last four years at Lake Michigan Senior Living and the family wishes to recognize their exceptional care and the Elara Caring Hospice Team as well. 

A memorial gathering will be held Friday June 30, 2023, starting at noon at Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow the memorial gathering at the DBA. Arrangements have been entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.oakgroveludington.com.