Gladys A. Shafer of Ellsworth, Wisconsin passed away at the age of 82 on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at River Falls Area Hospital, surrounded by family.

Gladys was born February 25, 1940 to Albert E. and Anna H. (Brookshaw) Geldert in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She attended schools in Minneapolis, Anoka, and Red Wing.

On July 18, 1959 Gladys married Ronald A. Shafer in El Paso, Wisconsin. Gladys and Ronald were blessed with four children; Michael, Mark, Nancy, and Patrick. Gladys and Ronald were happily married for 55 years when he passed away.

Gladys was a delightful soul that touched the lives of many with her grace, kindness, and laughter. Gladys enjoyed spending time with family and friends; her and Ronald hosted many events, as they loved their family and friends dearly. Gladys found joy surrounded by her growing family of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gladys enjoyed reading, playing cards, and spending time at their camper in the summer.

Gladys loved the Lord, thy God with all her heart, soul and mind. She spent much of her life devoted to her church, as a follower of Christ.

Gladys is survived by many loving members of her family.

Her children: Michael (Chris), Mark (Lorrie), Nancy (Jim), Patrick (Alice).

Her grandchildren: Joshua (Annette) Deden, Anthony (Anna) Nelson, Chad Shafer, Stephanie (Emanuel) Morales, Danielle (Mitchell) Mandelkow, Benjamin Bennett, Amber (Daryl) Shafer McKenzie (Taylor) Swenson, Samwel Ngatia, and Gianna Shafer.

Great grandchildren: Sara Deden, Noah Deden, Alexis Nelson, Mikayla Nelson, Wyatt Nelson, Hailey Peterson, Addison Peterson, Miguel Morales, and Alarick Swenson.

Gladys was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ronald Shafer; parents, Albert and Anna Geldert; siblings, Edward Geldert, Delores Jorgenson, and Thomas Geldert; and grandson, Eric Schalow.

O’Connell Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Ellsworth and Harvestime Outreach Church in Hudson are supporting the family with arrangements and her celebration of life. Her celebration of life will be honored at her church, Harvestime Outreach Church in Hudson for visitation at 10:00 to 11:00 and service at 11:00 on Monday, August 15th, 2022.