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Thomas Shafer
Thomas George Shafer, 96, of Ludington, formerly of Scottville, passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
Tom was born on August 7, 1930, in Iron Mountain, the son of the late William and Rose (Stafford) Shafer. He graduated from St. Simon High School and later went on to become a brick, block and stone mason. On January 12, 1957, he married Patricia Catherine Koets. They shared 47 years together until her death.
Tom was proud of being part of the Bricklayers Union, retiring in 1992 from the trade. He had many accomplishments throughout his career, but none as special as helping those he loved most. In a single day, he was able to build his daughter and son-in-law, Loretta and Dave, basement, and at the age of 75, he finished his final basement and mason work for his daughter Jody. Other accomplishments include; bricking the St. Simon Church in Ludington, working on the Michigan State University student housing project many years ago, leading him into getting into the Bricklayers Union.
Tom loved his Catholic faith, and was a lifelong member of St. Jerome’s Catholic Church of Scottville and St. Simon Catholic Church. He was head of the ushers at St Simon Church until he was physically unable to do so. After retirement he was able to be more active within the church and community he dearly loved. He loved supporting his favorite church functions, Ludington Area Catholic School’s Fish Fries, St. Simon Applefest, as well as the pork and sauerkraut dinners. He volunteered at Historic White Pine Village utilizing his trade and helped build the Scottville Harvest Festival Ox Roast fire pit. Over the years, he was also active in various golf leagues.
Tom was quite the storyteller. He loved telling everyone about his children and grandchildren. He loved speaking of his youth and days growing up, his days of softball and beer drinking, bowling and golf too, and his trade work. One of his favorite hobbies was golf.
At the age of 79, Tom found love again with Carol Kanouse. For 8 ½ years they had been companions until her passing. His last four years were spent at Village Manor Assisted Living where the staff all became like family to Tom.
Tom is survived by his children, Loretta (David) Cory, Ron Shafer, Jody Shafer, and Annette Shafer; grandchildren, Amanda (John) Mooney, and their children, Grace and Liam, Tom (Nicole) Cory, and their children, Devon, Alex, Trevor and Olivia, KC (Denise) Cory, and their children, Gavin, Payton, and Logan, and Alex (Charisma) Shappee, and their children, Cassuis, and Cairo; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patricia Shafer; infant son Paul Shafer; son, Chuck Shafer; and siblings, Mary, Larry, Emma, Phyliss, Clarence, Blanche, Art, and Harvey.
A Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 11a.m. at St. Simon Catholic Church with Rev. Jacob Zemaitis presiding, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Ludington Area Catholic Schools.
Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services, www.GraceCremations.com.
