MIDDLETON - Michael "Mike" Shaffer, age 78, of Middleton passed away on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Oct. 28, 1945, the son of Leonard and Kathryn “Katie” (Carr) Shaffer.

Mike graduated from Middleton High School in 1964, and then joined the U.S. Army Reserves with many of his high school buddies. He married Nancy Oldani in January of 1968. Mike worked for the Mid-Plains Telephone Company for 36 years as a lineman, climbing poles and stringing cable.

He loved playing and watching sports, especially watching his son, Brian, play sports, as well as his granddaughter, Katie, play volleyball. He tried to never miss their games. Mike was also a big fan of the Badgers, Brewers, and Packers. He followed the Middleton High School teams for many years and helped in the press box for their football games with his brother, Bob. Mike was an amazing bowler with several 300 games, loved playing cards and especially golfing with his Class of '64 buddies every week. They had so much fun and Mike was so glad they had remained close friends since early school days. Mike loved people and talking to everyone he met. He was blessed to have a close, loving family and so many wonderful, caring friends.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Nancy; son, Brian Shaffer; granddaughter, Kathryn (Katie) Shaffer; brothers, James (Marcia) Shaffer, Robert (special friend, Sue Ebenreiter) Shaffer; sister, Geraldine (Jerri) Stampfli; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and thoughtful, supportive friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Kathryn Shaffer; sisters, Sharon Grosse and Jean Schmidtke; brothers-in-law, Mike Grosse, Kendal Schmidtke and Stan Stampfli; and sister-in-law, Ruth (Fass) Shaffer.

The family wishes to thank Mike's incredible family and friends who provided so many rides to doctor appointments and dialysis treatments. We also wish to thank the Fresenius Dialysis Center, Meriter Hospital, and Agrace HospiceCare for their caring support.

Mikey is finally pain free and at rest.

A private family gathering will be held. A celebration for Mike will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Kidney Foundation or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761

Michael Ray Schaffer

October 28, 1945 - December 07, 2023

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