Harold W Shafer, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, 90, of Hartford, SD, died Monday, May 28, 2018 at the Bethany Home in Sioux Falls, SD.

Born on October 9, 1927 on the family farm, five miles north of Leola, SD to Alfred and Bertha (Ruhs) Shafer, Harold attended school in Kota Township.  In 1951, he was drafted into the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1953.

After the service, Harold returned to the farm and married Luella Wiederich at the Methodist Church on September 4, 1953 in Leola.  They purchased a farm near Long Lake, SD where their four children were raised.  He loved farming and after he left farming, they moved to Ashley, ND where he was employed with a machinery dealer.  He continued working at a machinery dealer after they moved to Redfield in 1993.    When he retired, he became the town "handyman" and school crossing guard.  Harold was also a regular for coffee with his friends at the bakery for many years.  Heart surgery led to full retirement and in the fall of 2013, they moved to Hartford to be closer to family.

Harold was active in community affairs including 60 years with the American Legion; the Long Lake Church and School Boards; County Commissioners; Board of Aberdeen Production Credit Association and the Conservation Board.  He and Luella enjoyed square dancing, playing cards and spending time with their family.

Grateful for having shared his life are his children: son Harley Shafer and his wife Tammy of Sioux Falls, SD; son Harvey Shafer of Crooks, SD; daughter Joy Powers and her husband Vincent of Hartford, SD and daughter Donna Davey of Newcastle, NE.  He is also survived by his 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren (and one on the way); and his sister, Florence Diede of Redfield.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Luella in 2017; his great-grandchild, Paxton Shafer and 11 siblings.

A service celebrating Harold's life will be held at the United Methodist Church in Redfield, SD on Tuesday, June 5, 2018.  Visitation will be held at 10:30 a.m. with the funeral service to follow 11:30 a.m.  Reverend Marty Toepke-Floyd will officiate.  A remembrance ceremony will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Memory Gardens in Aberdeen, SD.   Harold will be laid to rest with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the American Legion for Boys and Girls State Scholarships.

Condolences may be sent to Harley Shafer at 46867 265th Street, Sioux Falls, SD   57106.

Hyke Funeral Home of Redfield has been entrusted with arrangements (www.hykefuneralhome.com).