George D. Shafer

George D. Shafer, 89, of Mason City, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Good Shepherd Health Center surrounded by the love of family and friends. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N Pennsylvania Ave. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service time. Interment will be held in Hillside Cemetery, Sheffield. Memorials can be directed to the family of George Shafer.

To watch George's funeral service live, click here: Funeral Service of George Shafer

George was born on March 11, 1936, in Portland, Iowa, to Pearl and Carl Shafer, who preceded him in death. He lived a life defined by service, devotion, and quiet generosity.

George proudly served in the United States Army, first from 1954 to 1957, returning home to complete his education at Mason City High School in 1958 before re-enlisting from 1961 to 1964. Much of his service was spent stationed in Germany, as a Military Police officer. George remained committed to supporting fellow veterans throughout his life, including serving as VFW Post Commander from 1975-1976.

George worked at Lehigh Portland Cement Company from 1978 until his retirement in 2000.

George dedicated himself to caring for others. Most notably, he lovingly cared for his mother, Pearl, from 1966 until her passing in 1995. He also helped raise his nieces, Karla and Vicky, who were like daughters to him, and to whom he was a steady father figure. He was known as the family historian and a gifted storyteller, always surrounded by those eager to listen to his stories and laugh alongside him.

In his retirement George loved camping and fishing at Best Pointe Resort in Minnesota, where many treasured memories were made.

He is survived by his brothers Joe and David Shafer, and many beloved nieces and nephews: Karla, Vicky, Glenys, Peggy, Charlie, Linda, Tom, Lori, Scott, Jill, Kathy, Kevin, Davi, and Trina, along with numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Raymond, Ralph, and Frank Shafer, and sister, Leila Atkinson.

George will be remembered for his service to his country, his devotion to family, his unforgettable laugh, and the many lives he quietly and faithfully cared for.