Carol (Vandre) Shaffer of Sheboygan, (92), passed away peacefully at Rocky Knoll Health Care Center in Plymouth, Wisconsin, on June 5, 2025. Born on April 15, 1933, in Sheboygan, Carol was the daughter of Lester and Jennie (Thompson) Vandre. Carol grew up in Sheboygan and attended area schools, graduating in 1951 from Central High School. Carol then attended UW-Madison on a UW Foundation scholarship to play in the University’s Symphony Orchestra. While a student, Carol met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Shaffer of Manitowoc, on a blind date. She and Bob were united in marriage at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Sheboygan on June 26, 1954. Bob preceded Carol in death on June 29, 2017.
In the early years of their marriage, Carol and Bob resided in various locations due to Bob’s career in the pharmaceutical industry. Returning to Wisconsin in 1965, Carol graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a BA in history in 1971. Carol later completed graduate work at UW-Milwaukee and UW-Oshkosh. She worked as a librarian at UW-Milwaukee, NWTC in Green Bay, and Lakeshore Technical College, in Cleveland, WI, retiring in 1994. Carol began volunteer work as a librarian at the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center in Sheboygan Falls in 1995.
Carol was an active member of her community. Carol played violin in the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra for 34 years until retiring in 2014. She was a member of First United Lutheran Church, the Sheboygan County Historical Society, the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, the Weill Center for the Performing Arts, and People to People.
Carol and Bob enjoyed their many trips to Europe and throughout the United States. Carol’s other hobbies included reading, photography, scrapbooking, cross-stitch, and family genealogy.
Carol will be remembered for her kindness, gentleness, civic involvement, and contributions to the musical life of her community. She was also a generous supporter of the arts and charitable organizations.
Survivors include a grandson, Nicholas, of Sheboygan; a great-grandson, Ethan; two nephews, Kenneth Vandre of Albuquerque, NM, and Clifton (Rose) Vandre of Rockford, IL; and a niece, Anneliese (Kevin) Vandre of Necedah. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Jennie and Lester Vandre; her brother, Donald; and her son, David.
The family wishes to extend their deep appreciation to Carol’s dear friend and cousin, Nadeen Thompson, for her years of special help and friendship. The family also wishes to thank the staff at Rocky Knoll Health Care Center and Sharon Richardson Community Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.
A memorial service for Carol will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at First United Lutheran Church, 2401 Kohler Memorial Drive, Sheboygan with Pastor Heidi Borkenhagen officiating. Family and friends may gather at the church on Tuesday morning from 9:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at a later date at Evergreen Cemetery in Manitowoc.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mead Public Library and First United Lutheran Church of Sheboygan. The Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.reinboldfh.com
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