Gerard Shafer

Funeral Services and Mass of Christian Burial for Gerard Thomas Shafer, 57, a resident of Davenport will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 16, 2017 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 16550 – 290th Street, Long Grove, Iowa. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport. The family will greet friends Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and 1 hour before the service in the Gathering Space at the Church. All are invited to share stories after the visitation. Gerard passed away Monday, November 13, 2017 at Genesis Medical Center – E. Rusholme Street Campus, Davenport.

Gerard was born April 30, 1960 in Davenport, Iowa the son of Robert Edward and Dorothy Agnes (Fayr) Shafer. Throughout Gerard’s life he shared his special ability to love EVERYONE. He worked hard at the Handicapped Development Center (HDC) Sheltered Workshop with friends, was a diehard Hawkeye fan, rode to church with his dear friends Mary and Arnie listening to Johnny Cash, and greeted parishioners at St. Ann’s Church. Gerard’s joy was infectious and he left no person, adventure or meal unloved. To those who knew him, he taught us to make the world a better place.

The family would like to extend special gratitude to the HDC staff, caregivers, Gerard’s housemates and friends. Memorials may be made to the Handicapped Development Center, St. Ann’s Special Faith Program and Special Olympics Iowa.

He is survived by his siblings; Rev. Msgr. Drake Shafer, Long Grove, Martin (Barbara) Shafer, Coralville, Roseanne (Richard) Rekers, Cedar Falls, Joellen (Scott) Raderstorf, Boulder, CO, Mary (Mark) Newcomer, Davenport and many loving nieces/nephews (greats), cousins and special friends.

Gerard was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM ,Wednesday, November 15, 2017
St. Ann's Catholic Church
16550 - 290th Street Long Grove, IA 52756

Additional Visitation

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM ,Thursday, November 16, 2017
St. Ann's Catholic Church
16550 - 290th Street Long Grove, IA 52756

Mass of Christian Burial

10:30 AM ,Thursday, November 16, 2017
St. Ann's Catholic Church
16550 - 290th Street Long Grove, IA 52756

Burial

Thursday, November 16, 2017
Mt. Calvary Cemetery
804 E. 39th Street Davenport, IA 52807