David Eugene Schaffner

Millersburg- David Eugene Schaffner was born June 19, 1961, in Sigourney, Iowa, the son of Russell and Betty (Himler) Schaffner. He graduated from Deep River Millersburg in 1980 and was confirmed at the Millersburg United Methodist Church.

David’s work career started early in life like most farm kids do, helping local farmers around the area, and that career continued throughout his life. He worked raising cattle, hogs, chickens, goats and sheep. He always had a dog and cats to fill his spare time. He enjoyed his 4-H career with the Dayton Rockets and going to the Iowa County Fairs. He worked his entire life on the farm and also at Clow and later Bender Foundry, where he took co-workers to work for many years when they needed rides. Farming, especially feeding cattle was, David’s passion. He enjoyed watching newborn calves and it was a special treat to him when he ad a bucket bottle calf to share with his great nephews at fair time. He walked many miles of electric fence keeping cattle within their boundaries and taught his cows to come at his whistle.

Machine auctions were a great treat to him especially if a Kalona Bar was available. Family meant a lot to David, whether it be a niece or nephew or his great nieces and nephews, that showed up at the door for Sunday meals or just to spend the night. Whether he grumbled, teased or just said hi, they all knew it was his way of welcoming them. He showed them that an older Uncle could jump rope and juggle balls. He even taught some of them his way of whistling.

David died on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, at the age of 64 years.

David will be greatly missed by his brothers Gary Schaffner (Marnita Beal) and Stephen Schaffner; his sisters Pat (Arlen) Fisher, Charlene Oehl, Mary (Bryan) Greene and Deb (Dave) Grimm all of the Millersburg/North English area. Also 21 nieces & nephews, 46 great nieces & nephews and 2 great, great nephews, with 2 more coming soon.

He was preceded by his grandparents Art & Alda Himler and Lloyd & Aura Schaffner; his parents Russell & Betty Schaffner and a great niece Joely Schaffner.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 -4:00 pm on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the Powell Funeral Home in North English. A public graveside service will be held at 12:00 pm on Monday, in the Zion Cemetery, North of Millersburg. The family invites friends classmates and anyone who knew David to come to a gathering at Millersburg City Hall for a lunch following services Monday. Memorials may be given to the Iowa County Fair in David’s honor. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.