Gregory Lee “Crank” Shaffer age 57 of Hammond WI, formerly of Hudson WI, died unexpectedly Thursday, April 11 at his home in Hammond. Greg was born on March 22, 1956 in St. Cloud, Minnesota; the son of Charles “Chuck” and Doreen (Wilkes) Shaffer. He was raised in Hudson where he attended school. As a young man he worked with his dad at Shaffer Tree Trimming Services. He was involved in an electrical accident cutting trees when he touched a power line. Although this devastating injury dealt him many life-altering challenges, he did not let that stop him from making the most of his life. He also worked with his dad in the factory at Hauenstein & Burmeister Elevator Company in Minneapolis, MN. On September 30, 2003, he was united in marriage to Ruth Ann Apel in Watertown, South Dakota. Greg was an avid Green Bay Packer Backer. He also loved dogs and his favorite “Molly Girl’. He enjoyed cooking and gardening at his home in Hammond. He loved being around others and made friends quite easily. People gravitated to him and enjoyed his infectious laughter, smile and sense of humor. Most of all, he loved being around family and being a prankster to his grandkids.

Greg is survived by his wife Ruth, daughter Heather Chouinard, son Thomas Apel, grandkids Ania, Ava, Olivia, Tristan and Dylan, step daughter Carrie Shattuck and her children Alik and Ashlyn; siblings Gary (Donna) Shaffer, Denny (Penny) Shaffer, Kathy (Steve) Popovich, Deb (Denny) Murphy, Lorie (John) Beebe, Jeff (Lisa) Shaffer, Kim (Joel) Clark, Kelly (Rick) Holm, many nieces and nephews, one uncle, Vic Shaffer of Valentine, NE, and also his pals at the Hammond Hotel. He is preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life for Gregory “Crank” Shaffer will be Tuesday, April 16 from 4PM until 7PM at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in HUDSON. Cremation services coordinated by Countryside Crematory of Baldwin. Memorials are preferred.

A potluck will follow the “Celebration of Life” at the Hammond Hotel in Hammond, WI. All are welcome.