Obituary of Wilbur Sarles Shaffmaster

Bill Shaffmaster husband of the late Nancy. Father of Jane Shaffmaster of Royal Oak, and the late James "Jim" Shaffmaster. Brother of Judy Konarski of Grand Haven. A Long Life Well Lived "Get active and stay active. Be like the Energizer Bunny" Those words of advice come from 98 year old Bill Shaffmaster, a Senior Men's Club member since 2007. Bill knows something about staying active; during his lifetime he has among other things: *Graduated from Wayne State University as an Electrical Engineer *33rd degree Mason of the Scottish Rite, Valleyof Detroit. *Active Shriner of Moslem Shrine Temple. *Commander of George Washington Post 88 American Legion. *Oakland County Senior Meals on Wheels. *He organized the Royal Oak Computer Club in 2000 at the Royal Oak Community Center, and organized the Senior Computer Club in Birmingham in 2002. *Active member and Photographer of Birmingham Senior Men's Club. *Avid model airplane builder and flyer. *Retired at age 70 from sales management in a large corporation. *Held three major patents, including one for the elevator door safety sensors. *Found time to be a skier, a sailor and a professional level photographer. In addition, he has been a U.S, Coast Guard Auxiliary Officer and a lifelong Shiner. Bill's Military background is equally impressive. He joined the National Guard in 1936 and had a long and distinguished tour of duty in the U.S. Army during the whole WWII. He saw combat in Europe, including the Battle of the Bulge as a Platoon Leader in the 1st Infantry Division, also known as the "Big Red One!" Bill earned a Bronze star medal for capturing two Nazi snipers, one of whom had just shot one of his men. He also earned a Combat Infantry Badge. After Germany's surrender, Bill was made a Military Government Officer in Bavaria, Germany. General Eisenhower wanted the German populace to be back working as soon as possible, so Bill and his team quickly got them busy rebuilding a destroyed brewery. In 1946, Bill was given three concurrent Honorable Discharges as a 1st Lieutenant, including the Army, the Army Reserves, and the National Guard. - Chuck Ragains Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 30 at 7 pm, under the auspices of Detroit Lodge #2 F&M, at The Shriners Silver Garden Event Center, 24350 Southfield Road, Southfield, MI 48075. Burial will be Tuesday, December, 20th at Great Lakes National Cemetery. 4200 Belford Road, Holly MI 48442. 248-328-0386. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children Transportation Fund. He was an inspiration to many, and will be missed dearly, May he rest in peace.