Arthur E. Shafer, 72

A loving husband, father and grandfather, Arthur E. Shafer, 72, died Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023, at Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, after a long battle with Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia.

Art was born Aug. 20, 1951, in Orange, Calif., to his loving parents, Arthur Edward and Glenna Jean Shafer. He was the youngest of four children and is survived by his siblings, Larry of Texas, Doug (and Penny) of California, and Judy Arzner of Oregon.

As a young boy, Art could not wait to enlist in the military. In 1969, Art joined the Navy at the age of 17 and was proud to serve his country. A veteran of the Vietnam War and the Gulf War, he enjoyed going to work and serving his country. He served as an aviation mechanic while working on the deck of various aircraft carriers, the USS Enterprise was his favorite. Throughout the years, he moved up in rank and eventually earned the rank of Master Chief, the highest enlisted rank. While stationed in California, he met the love of his life. Judy and Art were married in Reno, Nev., in December of 1978. Art retired from the Navy on Aug. 31, 1991. After 22 years of service, and multiple moves and deployments, he moved his family back to the hometown of his lovely bride. Art spent his years working at Ace Hardware and driving dump trucks while also helping Judy manage the Trail Motel in Kellogg.

Art enjoyed the simple things in life. He enjoyed country music, watching NASCAR races and being entertained by his granddaughters. He would not hesitate to drop whatever he was doing to help the people he loved.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Judy, along with his son and daughter-in-law, Dustin and Stephanie (Baillie) Shafer of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and their children: Emily (16), Hannah (14) and Hailey (11). He also leaves behind two daughters, Lisa (and Joel) Rink, of California, with their children Olivia and Lacie; and Jeni Shafer of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Pinehurst, Idaho. Interment with military honors will follow at Shoshone Memorial Gardens in Pinehurst.

To offer Art’s family a message of condolence, send a card of sympathy, or order a floral tribute, please visit www.shoshonefuneralervice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, is assisting the Shafer family with arrangements.