Clyde E. "Ed" Shaffer

Clyde E. "Ed" Shaffer, age 73, passed away at home on Friday afternoon, Oct. 11, 2013, surrounded by his loving family and pet cat, Grr.

Ed was born on July 3, 1940, in St. Joseph, Mich., the son of Stanley and Margaret (Jackson) Renkau. He and his brother, Bud, were later adopted by Dr. Carvel Shaffer and Susan "Dorothy" (Robyns) Shaffer of Benton Harbor, Mich.

He attended Benton Harbor schools and San Diego State University. Ed joined the U.S. Navy and graduated from the Navy School of Music in 1961, majoring in drums. He was also a classically trained pianist.

Ed met the love of his life, Jean Ronzani, while touring with the band "Pleazure" at the Left Guard restaurant in Madison in 1973. Ed and Jean were joined in marriage at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Watertown, Wis., on Oct. 31, 1977.

Prior to their marriage, Ed played in bands in San Diego, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. He worked with Doug McClure on his TV program and was a member of "The Mike Douglas Show" band.

Ed was a creative, passionate, eclectic musician who played many styles of music including jazz, lounge, polka, western, rock and roll and experimental music. He continued to play the drums with Madison bands throughout the years, and for the past 10 years, he played with the band "Abandon Control" which included J.J., Tom, Brad, John, Michael, Martha, Dave and Aaron.
Ed had a oneness with nature and animals. He enjoyed riding his 20 speed bicycle twenty to thirty miles daily throughout the entire year.

Ed was a loving father and teacher whose essence lives on in his children, Kelly and Casey. He was an excellent musician and unique individual who will be greatly missed by all.

Ed is survived by his loving, devoted wife, Jean Ronzani-Shaffer, who was at his side during his five month illness. Jean cared for Ed 24/7 during the last six weeks of his life, with the assistance of Casey, Kelly and Margee, so he could have his final request to pass away at home.

Other survivors include: son, Kelly Shaffer (girlfriend Kara Lauffer) of Madison; daughter and son-in-law, Casey Shaffer and Philip Varner of Madison; brother and sister-in-law, Frayne "Bud" and Charleen Shaffer; niece, Carrie Shaffer; and great-niece, Isabella Shaffer of Whittier, Calif.; adopted brother, Richard Shaffer; sisters-in-law, Margaret (Jim) Curtin, and Barbara Ann Ronzani of Madison; and the family cat, Grr, who was Ed's constant companion. He is further survived by cousins and numerous friends. Dear friends include: James "J.J." and Debbie, Joe and Ruby, Phil and Carla, Lynn, Jeremy and Jenny, Chris and Jodie.

Our family extends our deepest thanks and gratitude to Dr. Michael Allan, Dr. Michael Frontiera, and Dr. Al Musa and his medical staff: Jeff Welsch P.A., Tama R.N., and Emily P.C.A. for their excellent medical care and support. We also thank the Ryan Brothers Ambulance Service and Chartwell Midwest Wisconsin for their wonderful help.

Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, 2013, at INFORMED CHOICE FUNERAL AND CREMATION ALTERNATIVES, 3325 E. Washington Ave., Madison, Wis. Friends and relatives are invited to GOOD SHEPHERD PARISH church basement, 1130 St. James Court, Madison, for a memorial service and light supper from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. following the visitation on Friday.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials to the family would be appreciated.