CARL LEE SCHAFFER

October 23, 1941 – August 17, 2024

Between the end of the Great Depression and the beginning of WW II, Carl was born to Dave and Luetta (Lake) Schaffer, who had traveled to Racine, WI in search of work. Unsuccessful, they returned to OK where Carl grew up. He was the middle brother of the three oldest boys (Leonard, John) and was up for the challenge of boyhood mischief and pranks. Undoubtedly, his younger siblings (Delores, Diana, Lester) fell victim to some of that mischief. Co-conspirators often included cousins who gathered for numerous family gatherings.

Carl attended rural schools in OK and KS. In high school he competed in football, basketball and track/field events. For several decades he held the state record for javelin throw. He played baseball from an early age, was a skilled pitcher, and later coached his children at all levels. They will tell you that he also coached from the bleachers during games! His love of sports spilled over into other areas. He excelled at trap and black powder shooting, bicycling, motorcycle enduro racing and bowling, but his lifetime favorite was golf. He played golf in many areas of the country with cousins and friends. They are happy to report that not a drop of “birdie juice” was spilled!

After high school Carl joined the Navy, which led him to California. He was first assigned to a converted PT boat out of Pt. Mugu, CA, which he described as his “McHale’s Navy” experience. Their main mission was to retrieve expended missiles fired from Vandenberg AFB. Later, while assigned in Long Beach, he met Arletta. The young relationship survived his WestPac cruise and her senior year in high school. They married in 1963 and celebrated their 61st anniversary in July. They joyfully welcomed four children: Mark (Tammy), Caryn (Wesley), Lisa (Seoul) and Dona (Brian). Carl’s children stayed by his side during his illness with unwavering love and care.

Carl had an aptitude for anything mechanical, which served him well as he worked to support his growing family. Combining his artistic ability with his welding skills, it is said he achieved welding artistry. He took those skills into his next career as an airline mechanic with the original PSA and later USAir airlines. Carl left a legacy of hard work, devotion to family and a willingness to share his skills for the benefit of others. That legacy is gifted to his grandchildren: Dillon (Brittany), Torrey (Max and daughters Charley, Saylor, Seven), Jacey, Gage, Reese, Katie, Nolan, Emma, Cooper, Cash.

Carl found time to pursue a range of other activities. He loved music, played guitar and shared that interest with his son. When his children were growing up, the family spent many weekends camping and exploring the desert on off-road vehicles. His kids remember Sunday morning pancakes with peanut butter before church with Bob Ross on the TV screen painting landscapes. Carl enjoyed photography and the outdoor pursuit of his best image. After retirement, Carl and Arletta embarked on a new adventure. They purchased a motorhome and spent the next six years as RVers. They traveled with a purpose, joining other retirees building houses and friendships all over the country with Habitat for Humanity Care-A-Vanners. They spent considerable time in North Dakota farming country with family, re-connected with cousins in OK and KS, and met fun-loving friends in the snowbird culture of eastern Phoenix. They eventually purchased their retirement home in a golf community in the area.

Carl’s family will host a Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 7 beginning with Rosary and Mass at 11 am at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Alpine, CA. Carl (in true midwestern fashion) felt no event was complete without food, so lunch will be served following Mass at the Alpine Community Center. Carl was a man of many stories, some even factual. Everyone has a “Carl” story too and we’d love to hear those during lunch. Wearing any shade of teal or blue (Carl’s favorite colors) or golf attire is encouraged. Burial will be at Miramar National Cemetery on September 9 at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider performing an anonymous act of kindness in Carl’s memory.