Gloria Jean Shafer

Gloria Jean Shafer, 74 of Hennepin passed away on Friday, December 8, 2023 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria.

Jean was born on June 21, 1949 in Joliet to Ed and Bonnie (Rogers) Kastl. She graduated from Joliet West High School and attended Iowa State University, where she met Bill Shafer, the love of her life. They married on July 18, 1970 at Central Presbyterian Church in Joliet. After they married, she finished her education degree at Northern Illinois University. She taught Sunday School for her entire adult life and was on the Board of Directors at Opportunity School in Ottawa.

When they moved to Hennepin, she was a draftsman/bookkeeper for Shafer Engineering. Jean was an elder and clerk of Sessions for the First United Presbyterian Church of Henry. She was a founding member of Hennepin Betterment Association and was secretary for four years. Jean was a proud lifelong 3rd generation Cubs fan and a talented seamstress. Most of all, she devoted her life to caring for her family, as a daughter, wife, mother and beloved “Gigi.”

Survivors include her husband Bill Shafer of Hennepin; one son, David (Nona) Shafer; two daughters, Sara (David) Daniel and Mary (Bill) Snapp; one brother Richard (Sally) Kastl and seven grandchildren, Alex, Natalie, and Valerie Daniel; Hannah and Elisabeth Shafer; and Ben and Jocelyn Snapp.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one grandson, Christopher Shafer.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 15, 2023 at First United Presbyterian Church, 511 Wirt St. Henry, IL 61537. Service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 16, 2023 at the church, with an additional visitation for 1 hour preceding the service. Online condolences may be made to her family at www.dcfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to her church.

Dysart – Cofoid Funeral Chapel will be assisting the family with the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gloria Jean Shafer, please visit our floral store.