Friedrich Herrmann (Fred) Schaffer—April 24, 1949- April 27, 2025

Fred Schaffer, longtime resident of Charleston, Arkansas passed away while surrounded by family on Sunday, April 27th at Greenhurst Nursing Center. He was 76 years of age.

Fred was an unforgettable larger than life individual who was always joyful. His happiness was shared with everyone he encountered and was a true reflection of his spirit.  His excitement for life, or what was happening in yours, was a light that warmed and brightened each moment you spent with him. Fred would be your best friend after a short conversation.  He had a unique gift of making you feel like you mattered and like you were seen in a way that made you believe in yourself a little more. This genuine kindness was not an act, but the very fabric of who he was. He truly lived his life to the fullest. He was an inspiring father, a dedicated husband, and a friend you could always count on.

Fred loved sports, particularly the Arkansas Razorbacks, and followed their football, basketball and baseball teams all over the country for decades.  He also was an avid music fan and traveled far and wide to see live music, blues and rock & roll in particular.  He was president of the Fort Smith Blues Society and helped the Blues Festivals in years past become successful.

Fred was born in Ft. Smith, Arkansas on April 24, 1949, the second son of A.R. and Margaret (Maggie) Flanagan Schaffer.  He graduated from Charleston High School in 1967 where he was an outstanding athlete, known through high school as "Fritz",  excelling in both football and basketball and went to the University of Arkansas on a football scholarship, graduating in 1971.  He worked in pharmaceutical sales for several years before returning to Charleston and went back to college to become an RN in order to help run Greenhurst Nursing Center, a family owned business, known across the state as one of the finest skilled care nursing homes in Arkansas.  He became the President and self-described "Bean counter."  He had a passion for always "putting residents first."

Fred is survived by his wife Avis Hickey Schaffer and their sons Jakob Schaffer, Jonas Schaffer and his wife Halie Miesner Schaffer and their children Zane, Veda, Hugh and Whit.  Fred's first wife was Kathy Brewer Roberts, and they had one son, Derek Schaffer, who also survives him and has two daughters, Skyler Faye and Payton, and Derek's girlfriend Emily Rockwell and her children Will and Karson Haney.  Fred was predeceased by one brother, Erich Zed Schaffer and one son, Skyler Frederick Schaffer. He is also survived by two brothers, Archie Schaffer III and Kriss Schaffer and his mother-in-law Leota Hickey.

A special appreciation is expressed on Fred's behalf to every Greenhurst employee he worked with throughout his career in long term care. His pride of what he and all caregivers accomplished cannot be described in words. The family expresses their heartfelt thanks to the caregivers that loved Fred throughout his stay at Greenhurst.

A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Charleston on Monday May 5th at 11:00 AM, immediately followed by a luncheon and celebration of life at the Charleston Community Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greenhurst activity department.  Please give directly to Meeka, or mail to her at PO Box 458 Charleston, AR 72933.

To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.