Thief River Falls – Roger Shaffer, 72 of Thief River Falls was liberated on Independence Day, July 4, 2023 surrounded by his loving family at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND.
Roger Lee Shaffer was born on August 31, 1950, in Fairmont, the son of Joseph and Ella (Johnson) Shaffer. He was finally confirmed at St. Olaf Lutheran Church which was built by his grandfather in Ormsby. Being that Roger didn’t take enough sermon notes, his confirmation was delayed. Eventually his confirmation was granted with some family persuasion.
He graduated from St. James High School with the class of 1969. However, it almost didn’t happen because he was making more money than the principal and the teachers while working at the Quick’s 66 so Roger couldn’t figure out why he needed to stay in school. Working at Quick’s 66 is where Roger found his calling in the auto industry, he was pumping gas, selling parts, and repairing vehicles.
Roger followed his high school sweetheart, Jeanie Olson to Mankato where he worked at Fast Auto Parts. The couple were married in 1972 at Albian Lutheran Church in rural St. James. They made their home in Mankato and to this union two children were born, Sara and Matthew.
His position at Fast Auto Parts introduced him to two of his future business partners, Ronald Nelson, and Jonas Nelson. They recognized his knowledge and work ethic and eventually a meeting at the Happy Chef Restaurant in Mankato was the beginning of what became Westside Motors in Thief River Falls.
April 15, 1977, was the official start date of Westside Motors (formerly Sid’s Motors owned by Sid Bruggeman) in Thief River Falls, across from the Dairy Queen on Highway 32. It was Sid who recognized Roger’s charisma and natural sales ability and recommended to Ron that he should manage the sales department. They built their new location in 1979 on the west side of town at the intersection of Highway 59 and 1. Shortly after, they gained a fourth business partner, Steven Hook, who managed the body shop.
The unique partnership between the four of them is what brought them through the hard times and led to the success of what Westside Motors is today.
Through a marriage to Marcellene Franson, Roger gained a stepson, Jeffrey Franson who he loved and admired.
On November 29, 2019, Roger was united in marriage to Tami Canfield, Westside Motors long-time accountant, companion, and friend. They had a very special dynamic and bond that was uniquely theirs.
Roger was a member of the Elks and Eagle’s Clubs, previous board member of VIP, was active with Pennington County Sportsman’s Club, and served as President of the Chamber of Commerce in Thief River Falls. He was one of the four founding members of the Thunder On Hooves Bull Ride Committee along with Norrie Thune, Shawn Newland and Bob Bergan.
Roger had a deep love for his family and was invested in each of their passions and careers. Sara with her equestrian business, Matt as Westside Motors Sales Manager, Tami as Westside Motors General Manager and Jeffrey as Greens and Grounds Superintendent at the Thief River Golf Club. He had a special bond with his grandchildren whom he dearly loved.
He loved people, had a contagious laugh, and had a personality that was larger than life. Roger was a very generous man. He always rooted for the underdog because he could relate through his own personal struggles. He loved to tell stories from the past adventures in life with Steve Hook, most of which cannot be put into his obituary and any of you that knew him have probably heard those stories. There are no successes in Roger’s life that don’t come with an amazing story, he never followed the mainstream, but lived his life by his own rules. There was a pattern to Roger’s life that he followed, and it was his own way! Roger was quoted many times saying “It’s a great day to be alive!” and “Life’s about moments!”
Roger is survived by his loving wife, Tami of Thief River Falls; children, Sara (Chanel) Shaffer of Three Forks, MT, Matt (Dayna) Shaffer of Thief River Falls, and Jeff (Heather) Franson of Thief River Falls; many grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sister, Edith Leggett of Salem, OR; sister-in-law, Karen Shaffer of Naples, FL; long time business partner and friend, Steve Hook; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He is preceded in death by parents; siblings, Norm (Mary) Shaffer, Kenny (Joan) Shaffer, Bob Shaffer, and Lee Etta (Jim) Lastine; and brother-in-law, Phil Leggett.
A gathering time for family and friends will be held from 4-7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. time of sharing for family and friends on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
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