Cover photo for Nancy Jean Shafer's Obituary
Nancy Jean Shafer Profile Photo
1931 Nancy 2021

Nancy Jean Shafer

December 14, 1931 — October 21, 2021

Nancy Jean Shafer, age 89 of Granville, IA passed away on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021 at her home near Granville, IA. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Granville, IA, with Father Daniel Greving officiating and Deacon Dan Goebel assisting. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Granville.  Visitation with family present will be Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. with a vigil prayer service at 5 p.m. all at the church.  Visitation will resume 1 hour prior to the funeral on Thursday at the church.  Services have been entrusted to Fisch Funeral Home & Monument in Remsen, IA.

Nancy was born on Dec. 14, 1931 to Bruce and Rosalia (Graff) Vosburg in Granville. She was raised in Granville and attended St Joseph Catholic School, graduating in 1949. She attended Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, Iowa.  

Nancy married Edwin Michael Penning on Nov. 3, 1951 at St Joseph Catholic Church in Granville. They raised 7 children on their farm near Granville. Edwin passed away July 31, 1975.  

Nancy married Wallace Shafer on February 7, 1976. Wally passed away February 16, 2002.  

Nancy was a homemaker and seamstress, living on the same farm for 70 years. Known for her quilting skills, Nancy also made quilts for each grandchild and great grandchild. She made quilts for her children and their spouses and finally made one for herself. Nancy enjoyed fishing, bowling, golf and playing cards with her friends. Nancy collected keys and her collection covered a wall in her living room. 

Nancy is survived by her children; Bruce (special friend Bev) Penning of Robins, Iowa, Denise (Bob) Ellis of County Cork, Ireland, Blanche Ludwig of New Virginia, Iowa, Ted (Amanda) Penning of Alton, Iowa, Gene Penning of Denver, Colorado, David (Tonya) Penning of Alpine, Wyoming, Janelle (David) Hibbing of Paullina, Iowa and Kevin (Nancy) Shafer, Mesa, Arizona. One sister, Paula Hindman of Salem, Oregon. 23 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Also she leaves behind her many friends and wonderful caretakers, Janet and Jadelyn Vlotho. 

Preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Ted Vosburg; sister Marquerite Canale; brothers-in-law, Bob Canale and Bill Hindman; daughter, Deborah Frederes; son in law Ron Ludwig and granddaughter Deborah Penning. 

Casket bearers will be Jason Ellis, Matt Penning, Chris Penning, Todd Hibbing, Al Stamer and Dan Horkey. 

Honorary bearers will be the remaining grandchildren.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Nancy Jean Shafer, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

4:00 - 4:00 pm (Central time)

St. Joseph Catholic Church

528 Elm St, Granville, IA 51022

Visitation with family present will be Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. with a vigil prayer service at 5 p.m. all at the church. Visitation will resume 1 hour prior to the funeral on Thursday at the church

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