John William Schaffeld, 85, Jamieson, Oregon, left this earth June 26 with all the love and support of his family. John was born April 24, 1931, in Arapaho, Oklahoma to German immigrants, Adele and Henry Schaffeld. His family was affected by the Oklahoma Dust Bowl which forced them to move and settled the family in Jamieson, Oregon. He attended first through eighth grade at Jamieson, St Francis Academy in Baker, and graduated from Vale High School in 1949.
While attending Vale High School, he participated in football, track, boxing and cheerleading. He enlisted in the US Army and served his country while being stationed in Alaska and later in Korea during the Korean war. He was assigned to the Lightning Division – Red Ball Express, delivering troops and supplies. While in Alaska, he suffered a back injury that followed him throughout his life.
After his service, John returned to the family farm and worked various jobs in logging, heavy equipment operation and bar tending.
His true love was farming and his dream was to build a successful cattle operation. He purchased his first property from the Caywood family and over the years continued to increase the size of the family farm.
John was a hardworking man who loved the land. He raised cattle and feed crops such as corn, wheat and hay.
John married Ina Brown February 8,1964 in Ontario, Oregon. They had three children: Joan Ida, John Henry and Steven William. They raised their children on the ranch, sharing his love of the land, hard work and helping out those in need.
He was known for his personality and his ability to always be the life of the party.
John was very active in the local community. He served on the Willowcreek School Board, Saint Patrick’s Church, American Legion, ASCS Farm Board and ARC Board of Directors. He also had time to coach Optimist football, Little League baseball and softball. He was also honored as Grand Marshal for the Vale Rodeo.
John will be missed by his wife of 52 years; children, Joan Ida (Jose) John Henry (Robin), Steven William (Jeri); grandchildren, Joseph, Isabelle, Marcus, Coy and Kase; step grandchildren Dominic, Holly, Corey and Sophia; sisters, Mary, Adele, Gertrude, Francis and Agnes; brothers, Joe and Paul.
He was preceded in death by his parents, uncle and brothers Ted and Pete.
Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. June 30, 2016, at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Vale, and a Rite of Christian Burial on July 1, 2016 at 10 a.m. at St Patrick’s Catholic Church. Lunch will be provided at the Parish Hall following Mass.
At 2 p.m. Inurnment will be held at the Dell Cemetery in Jamieson.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to St. Patrick’s Church or Elderberry Lane – A Place for Kids, LLC. Condolences may be made to the family at www.Lienkaemper- Thomason.com
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Pioneer Place, Heart and Home Hospice, Dr. Mark Christianson, Father Cami, Rev Roy and Judy Obermeier and Ontario Community Church. A special thanks to the staff of Presbyterian that provided direct care to our fathe