Theodore (Ted) Karl Schaffer, 67, passed away on January 17, 2017 in the Des Moines VA Medical Center after a battle with cancer. Ted was born on May 4, 1949 in Des Moines, Iowa and lived in the Des Moines area his entire life. He graduated from Dowling High School in 1967. Ted was in the U.S. Navy from 1968 – 1973 and served in the Vietnam War. He married Lucia DiMaio on September 27, 1969. They had four children and later divorced.

Ted operated heavy equipment for Dietrich Excavating in Pleasant Hill for many years. He loved Cat equipment, cooking, and watching NASCAR. Ted never met a stranger with his happy-go-lucky and outgoing personality. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he displayed every photo of them that he received.

Ted is preceded in death by his parents, Theodore (Ted) and Frances (Fran) Schaffer and by his brother-in-law Jeff Johnson. He is survived by his former wife: Lou Ann Wheeler Schaffer of Urbandale; four children: T.J. (Ann) Schaffer of Waterloo, Amy (Nolan) Finnegan of West Des Moines, Matt Schaffer of Grimes, and Ben (fiancé Hallie) Giller of Des Moines; ten grandchildren: Jordan Schaffer, Jon Watkins, Emma Schaffer, Alli Schaffer, Gwen Schaffer, Cecelia Finnegan, Ellie Finnegan, Max Giller, Shane Finnegan, and Sawyer Giller; four siblings: Donna Johnson, Steve Schaffer, Kathy (companion Rob Barnett) Olson, and Connie (Kelly) Sherman; and many nieces and nephews.

Ted will be laid to rest on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at 9:30 am in the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive in Adel, Iowa. A mass will be said in his honor at 12:00 pm that same day with a luncheon to follow at Sacred Heart Church, 1627 Grand Ave., West Des Moines, Iowa.