Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
AKRON – Joseph W. Shafer, 85, of Gilead, died Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026.
Joe was born at home Oct. 23, 1940, to Chester and Evelyn Neterer Shafer. He served his country in the U.S. Navy for four years, spending time on the USS Bryce Canyon and the USS Frontier. He married Sadie Whitaker Sept. 1, 1962; she survives.
He retired from R. R. Donnelly in Warsaw. He attended the Akron Church of God.
The funeral service will take place at noon Wednesday, Feb. 25 at Akron Church of God, with Pastor Mandy Nellans and Kathy Nelson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. The interment will take place following the service in the Gilead Cemetery.
Visitation hours will be 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24 at Akron Church of God, Akron.
The arrangements have been entrusted to Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron.
Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to Akron Church of God.
Share a memory or send an online condolence at www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com.
