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Thomas E. “Tommy” Shaffer was called home by Jesus on Saturday, December 28th, 2024. Tommy was born on January 30th, 1953, to Mr. and Mrs. Gene Shaffer of Omaha, NE.

Tommy’s parents combined Irish and Italian heritage to produce a one-of-a-kind son, who will forever be known for his faith in Jesus Christ. Tommy retired as a Sergeant from the Omaha Police Department, having served the city for 28 years. He was also head of security for Horseman’s Park. He used his electrician, tiling and construction skills along with donating copious amounts of time in becoming the fix-it man for both his family, friends and neighborhood.

His faith was evident in his marriage, just short of 52 years to Kriss, as his childhood sweetheart and as a proud father to two sons who also serve our country. Tom (Heath) Shaffer as Deputy Chief of Police serving in Omaha, NE, and Chad Shaffer, a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Air Force.

Tommy will forever be remembered for his large heart, which resulted in a life of giving, which will be hard to match in both his personal finances and time, and remained generous with this his whole life. This generosity did not apply to his homemade Italian Christmas cookies, as he counted each one, often up to 1,000 cookies, and told the grandkids he knew the exact number should they consider pilfering any from the garage refrigerator. His Italian dressing recipe was closely guarded and called “Papa Sauce” by the grandkids.

His humor was evident as he could take any mundane event and bring your laughter to tears. He often mentioned his greatest material was his wife and her family, along with the Italian characters of his heritage.

Tommy understated any sacrifice he made while overstating those of his acquaintances. A skilled athlete, he used that to coach numerous sports for his sons, culminating in an Iowa state championship in hockey. He transferred not just his public service and athletic prowess to his sons, but his faith as well.

He often referred to his construction skills as ¼” and caulk, but that did not do service to his willingness to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. He and Kriss loved to travel and opened up both their own home and any condo they might own at the time to friends and family. He stayed in contact with all and was the glue to family gatherings.

Faced with the knowledge of his pending mortality, he expressed his love for Kriss and God, saying he could accept whatever God has for him, with only wishing he could spend more time preparing his wife Kriss for the inevitable. The personal testimonies of the many people he impacted, from his police work, church, neighbors, coaching and giving to friends and family who will forever miss him until reunited on that great day. “Well done, good and faithful servant”. Matt 25:23a.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Barb Shaffer, Mother-in-Law Delores Stokes, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Valerie and Kirk Wiles.

He is survived by his wife, Kriss, his sisters Linda (John) Ruma, Julie and (Frank) Zitnik, his sons Thomas (Adrienne), and Chad (Kindra) along with grandchildren, Kiley Pulido (Kris), Thomas Shaffer, Peyton Shaffer, Ava Shaffer, Creighton Shaffer, Cortlind Shaffer, Cheyenne Shaffer, Claire Shaffer, Philip Metzger, Regina Metzger and Louis Metzger. He is further survived by his 2 sisters and brother-in-laws, Sandra and Perly Schoville and Denise and Robert Manners. Tommy impacted many family members, represented by the many nieces and nephews who gave loving support and care to both Kris and Tommy during his heroic last few months.

VISITATION: Thursday, Jan. 16, 5-7 p.m. at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road in Omaha.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Friday, Jan. 17, 10 a.m. at Westside Church, 15050 W. Dodge in Omaha.

~~~Obituaries courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library~~~

Find a Grave Memorial #278017478