Herbert “Bert” Schaffer, III

1954-2023

Though his time with us was cut short, Bert Schaffer lived a life filled with love and devotion to his family and friends. On April 8th, 2023, he unexpectedly passed away surrounded by loved ones, but his spirit lives on in the memories and hearts of those who knew him. As Jimmy Buffett famously said, “If there is a heaven for me, I’m sure it has a beach attached”, and we can take solace in knowing that Bert is now enjoying that heavenly beach, basking in the warmth of the sun and the love of his family.

Bert wore many hats during his lifetime. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, and doting “Pop” to his grandchildren. In addition to his roles as a family man, Bert was an active member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church, a cancer survivor, and a respected leader in the transportation industry. He was admired for his unwavering commitment to honesty and integrity, his unparalleled work ethic, and his selfless dedication to caring for others. Bert’s steadfast reliability and dependability made him a cherished friend and confidant to many, and his absence will be felt deeply by all who knew him.

Bert was born in Philadelphia, PA, on December 12th, 1954, to Elizabeth and Herbert Schaffer Jr. He grew up in New Jersey, where he developed a deep love for the Phillies, the Eagles, Bruce Springsteen (a.k.a. “the Boss”), and a good cheesesteak (naturally on an Amoroso roll). During his time working as a “five-star chef” at McDonald’s, he met his future wife Karin in a serendipitous encounter when she “accidentally” spilled a milkshake on his apron. Little did he know that this would be the start of a nearly fifty-year marriage, a family of three children, and a loving brood of seven grandchildren.  Bert had a rich and fulfilling life with his loving wife Karin (in spite of her “Swedish Mind”), and reveled in reusing the same Valentine’s Day card for over 30 years (all because Karin inadvertently didn’t open this card one year).

Herbie, as his children Scott (Melissa), Marc (Megan), and Lauren (Josh) called him, was the epitome of a family man.  He lived for his family, and there was no sacrifice too great to ensure that his children and grandchildren could have opportunities beyond his own.  Herbie was a hands-on, excited, and proud father.  Whether it was a kid’s sporting event, help with a house project, a casual life advice conversation, he was always “there”.  His dependability was unmatched and he was always willing to lend a helping hand.  In his later years, Herbie found immense joy in his seven grandchildren and cherished his role as “Pop”. If there was an opportunity to dress up for a birthday party, he was all in.  If there was an excuse to hop on a plane or drive four hours to attend a grandkid’s class or sporting event, he was going to come up with it.  If a treat was needed, Pop always had a stash of ice cream at the ready.   If a laugh was needed, “Pop’s Joke of the Day” was a phone call away. Of course, after every visit, Herbie always made sure to follow up with a heartfelt “thank you” call, cherishing the memories created with his beloved family.

Bert had an insatiable thirst for knowledge beyond his work and family life. He would constantly have a book in hand (preferably on a beach), and throughout his lifetime, he had read enough books to fill multiple libraries. Even when he visited historic sites, he would read every single word on every single sign because he cherished history and knowledge. Surprisingly, shortly before his passing at the age of 68, he enrolled in a college course simply because he was curious. Bert enjoyed discussing politics, current events, and sharing perspectives with others, all while sipping on a good whiskey. Additionally, he found joy in using his hands to tinker and create, especially building with Lego, a hobby that he could share with both his kids and grandkids. The kitchen also brought him joy as he delighted in hosting Sunday dinners and preserving holiday customs.  Although he remained a fan of Philly sporting teams, he developed a fondness for the Green Bay Packers and was always willing to place a bet with a Bears fan. The phrase “Go Pack Go” was a common chant in the Schaffer household.

While our lives will never be the same without Bert, we can honor his memory by leading a meaningful life devoted to our family and friends. Though we’ll miss him dearly, we can take comfort in knowing that he’s sipping on his “angel’s share” on that heavenly beach.

Bert is survived by his wife Karin, his children, Scott (Melissa), Marc (Megan), and Lauren (Josh, the favorite son-in-law), and his grandchildren, Samuel and Stella, Maya, Remy, and Nellie, and Juliette and Grayson.  He is also survived by his parents Elizabeth and Herbert Schaffer Jr., and his sisters, Linda (Jim) and Debbie (Ray) and his beloved nephews and nieces.

Please join us in celebrating the life of Bert Schaffer for a visitation at Kish Funeral Home (10000 Calumet Ave, Munster, Indiana) on Sunday, April 16^th from 2:00-4:00PM.  Funeral services will take place at Our Saviour Lutheran Church (19058 Burnham Ave, Lansing, IL) on Monday, April 17^th at 10:00AM.  Family are invited for a visitation prior to the funeral service at 9:30AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations can be made in honor and memory of Bert to the following:

Our Saviour Lutheran Church

19058 Burnham Ave.

Lansing, IL 60438

(In memory of Bert Schaffer on check memo line)

or to the Lurie Cancer Center at

Northwestern University Hospital

420 E. Superior St.

Arthur J. Rubloff Building, 9^th Floor

Chicago, IL  60611

Attn: Terri Dillon

(In memory of Herbert F. Schaffer III on check memo line)