Ralph Emerson Shafer

Ralph Emerson Shafer, 98, of Iola passed away Thursday, June 22, 2017 at Allen County Regional Hospital. He was born July 9, 1918 in Allen County to Ralph Emerson and Lillie Jane (Hutchinson) Shafer. He attended Iola Rock Creek Rural School and graduated from Iola High School in 1936. He married Lurleen R. Cummins in Iola on October 12, 1941. To this union were born six children. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War Two as a radio operator. He always made his home in Iola. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service and operated Shafer Radio & TV. Ralph always enjoyed fishing, hunting and driving a tractor. He was a member of Community Baptist Church in Iola, a member and commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Iola and LaHarpe, and a member of the American Legion in Iola. He never missed watching a Royals or Chiefs game, and was a proud supporter of President Donald J. Trump. Survivors include his children; Donna Diebolt of Welda, Glenda Isaacson of Salt Lake City, UT, JoAnne Michael and husband Rick of Iola, Catherine Hall and husband David of Iola, Rhonda Baker and husband Vance of St. George, KS, and Charles Shafer of Iola; sixteen grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren, one great great grandchild on the way, a sister Georgia Searcy of Indiana, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Lurleen, in 1993, his parents, a grandson Bradley Esslinger, a brother, Harry Shafer, sister Lucille Tyler, sons-in-law Larry Diebolt and Preston Isaacson, and long-time companion Gerry Tasche. Services for Ralph will be Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service in Iola. The funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. with visitation beginning an hour prior. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery at Iola. Contributions in his memory are suggested to the LaHarpe VFW or ACARF. Condolences for the family can be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .