John I. Shafer, Jr.

John I. Shafer, Jr., 106, formerly of Logansport, passed away at 3:13 A.M. Saturday, November 19, 2016, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

John was born in South Bend, Indiana, on November 12, 1910 to Jeannette (Myers) and John Shafer, Sr.

After graduating from South Bend High School, John attended 2 years of prep school at Andover.  He went on to Dartmouth College where he majored in Botany.  In 1936 he earned his PhD in Botany from Cornell University.

On September 17, 1938, John married Lois M. Purdey in Theresa, New York.

During his career, John did research on corn genetics in Geneva, New York before teaching botany at the University of Wisconsin and later at Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburg, Virginia.  Subsequently, he worked for the family business, the John I. Shafer Hardwood, Co., in Logansport.  Throughout his career, he conducted research in a variety of areas including breeding chestnuts for blight resistance.

John was active at Calvary Presbyterian Church, serving on various boards and committees, teaching Sunday School, and participating in spelling bees.  He also served as president of the local Kiwanis Club and participated in many of its activities, including putting out American flags into his late 90’s. 

John loved reading and learning as well as the outdoors.  He enjoyed people of all cultures and spoke several languages. He also played chess.  Many will remember him for his jokes.  He was a true gentleman and was loved by all.

John is survived by his daughter, Rebecca (Roger) Tuuk of Fremont, Michigan, and 2 grandchildren, Jennifer and Jonathan Tuuk.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois, his infant son, John I. Shafer, III, his parents, John and Jeannette Shafer, his sister and brother-in-law, Gertrude and Don Mattson, and his sister, Marion Shafer.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, November 23, 2016, at 11 a.m., at Calvary Presbyterian Church with Pastors Darcy Metcalfe and Coenraad Brand officiating.  Friends may call at the church from 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday until the time of the service.  Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the scholarship fund of the Kiwanis Club of Logansport Scholarship Fund, PO Box 11or Save the Redwoods League, PO Box 44614, San Francisco, CA 94144-0001.

Kroeger Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Family and friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at www.kroegerfuneralhome.com.