William John Shaffer, age 89 of Apple Valley, MN, passed away on August 11, 2026, of metastatic prostate cancer. Family members were able to say goodbye while he spent his last several weeks in hospice care.

Bill was born on September 6, 1936, in Detroit Lakes, MN, to Eugene and Harriet (Richardson) Shaffer. Bill was raised primarily in Fergus Falls, MN, with his siblings, Mary and Owen. He was a three-sport, star athlete and class president. Bill served his country in the US Air Force. He received his bachelor's degree in political science at Macalester College in St. Paul, MN. Most importantly, Bill met the love of his life, Marg Modahl, during his years of study. They were married June 21, 1959, in Galesville, WI.

Bill and Marg pursued many, many passions, including golf, competitive tennis, skiing, and bridge. A lake home was consistently a place both for quiet time and family time. Bill and Marg traveled extensively, to all of the continents, except the poles. Bill continued to travel solo and with family after Marg's passing in 2015. The theater was also a passion, both as an audience member and as an actor. Bill acted in many roles at the Waterloo Community Playhouse in Waterloo, IA, including Norman in "On Golden Pond" twice, Kris Kringle in "The Miracle on 34th Street" twice, and Morrie in "Tuesdays with Morrie". If you were lucky, Bill told you one or many jokes from his seemingly unlimited repertoire; perhaps less lucky, if from his off-color collection.

Bill worked as a stockbroker in Waterloo, IA, until his retirement. He raised his family primarily in Waverly, IA, where he lived most of his life. He moved to Apple Valley, MN, in 2022, to be near many of his kids and grandkids.

Bill is preceded in death by his best friend and wife, Marg; sister, Mary (Harry) MacLaughlin; and brother, Owen. He is survived by his 5 children, Ann Mikiska of Farmington, MN, Linda Silloway of Glenwood Springs, CO, Jane Aksoy of Delano, MN, Sally (Chad) Bird of Burlington, IA, and Dean (Lisa) Shaffer of Farmington, MN. He is the grandfather of 10, Josh (Samantha) Mikiska, Luke (Maddie) Mikiska, Evan (Abigail) Silloway, Tracy Silloway, Sera (Ben) Aksoy Sears, Katie (Andrew) Aksoy Clark, Jenna (Tyler) Bird Johnston, Lauren (John) Bird Curley, Logan Shaffer, and Jordyn Shaffer. He has 4 great-grandchildren, Aaron and Ava Johnston, Minna Curley, and Brooks Mikiska. He is also survived by many more family members and friends.

His family would like to thank Orchard Path in Apple Valley for the good care and community Bill had in his last years. Memorials in Bill's name can be donated to Waterloo Community Playhouse, 224 Commercial St, Waterloo, IA, 50701.

Family will gather privately at a later date.

Condolences at www.whitefuneralhomes.com