Charles Schaffer

Charles Howard Schaffer, 66, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away on February 24, 2023. He was born on November 12, 1956, in Denver Colorado, to Howard and Inez Schaffer.

As a Colorado native, he spent his childhood and young adult years camping in the Rocky Mountains with his family/friends, watching/playing baseball, and fostering stray/wild animals.

Chuck graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School, in Denver, where he received multiple medals from the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. He graduated from the University of Colorado with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Nuclear Physics and enlisted in the United States Navy. During the summer before his senior year of college the Navy sent him on board the Patrick Henry SSBN 599. After college and completing the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, Chuck was stationed to the Naval Submarine Base Bangor in Bremerton, Washington. As a Ship’s Engineer Officer, he served on the Ethan Allen SSN 608, the Michigan SSBN 727, and lastly, the Henry M. Jackson SSBN 730.

After serving eight years on the Nuclear Submarines in Bremerton, Chuck joined the Navy Reserves in Omaha, Nebraska, based out of the U.S. Strategic Command Offutt Air Force Base. Whilst working as a Systems Engineer for the Omaha Power Public District’s Nuclear Power Plant. Achieving his rank of Commander and receiving several Navy medals and awards, Chuck was honorably discharged in 2005, and retired from OPPD in 2011.

While raising a family in Omaha, Chuck kept his beloved traditions alive. Including taking his three children camping across America in the RV, annual summer trips to Lake Okoboji, video recording every Christmas morning, visiting as many thrift shops as possible, and welcoming all the abandoned and injured animals into the house.

As a passionate dog lover, Chuck considered his dogs to be members of his family. More recently, Kiska, Attu, and Weston will deeply miss his presence. Together, they accompanied him on trips to Colorado, their recent visit to Weston Pass, and many trips to dog parks, where they forged some of their most lasting memories.

Survived by his children Lindsey (Mike), Ryan (Melissa), and Laura (Gavin); grandchildren Brooklyn, Aliyah, Henry, and Paxton; spouse Donna; siblings Jackie, Patty, Barbara, and Greg; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Preceded in his death, parents Howard and Inez.

A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 beginning at 11:00AM, followed by Mass at 12:15pm both at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 2190 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver.  Interment will follow at Fort Logan National Cemetery at 2:15pm.