Friends remember Mark Shafer

FAIRFIELD — Friends and family members of Mark Shafer took turns at the microphone sharing stories about one of the town’s most gifted artists and one of its most knowledgeable historians.

The Carnegie Historical Museum in Fairfield hosted Mark Shafer Memory Day Wednesday, June 21. Attendees filled the hallways of the museum’s third floor to listen to speakers such as Shafer’s brother, Herb Shafer, who spoke about Mark’s love of local history; interim museum director Lawrence Eyre; and museum board president Dave Neff. Each spoke about their interactions with Mark, and the legacy his work will leave behind.

One of Shafer’s friends, John Morrissey, spoke about Shafer’s character and his sense of humor. Morrissey hosts an annual St. Patrick’s Day party at his law firm, and one year Shafer attended it dressed as an Irish bishop.

Morrissey said that, during Shafer’s tenure as the director of the Carnegie Historical Museum, he left his mark on the building and its many exhibits.

“Mark is responsible for the flair at the museum,” Morrissey said. “In 100 years, we’ll all be gone but this place will still be here, and Mark’s work will still be having an impact.”

Shafer was an art teacher in the Fairfield Community School District at the elementary, middle and high schools at one time or another. One of his co-workers at the high school was vocal music teacher Linda Mitcheltree, and they were the only two teachers with classrooms on the lower level of the building, so they got to know each other well.

Mitcheltree described Shafer as a “consummate educator,” and that every student he had benefited from his guidance.

“We all miss him,” she said.

Karen Crossland knew Shafer through St. Mary Catholic Church, and said the thing she will remember most about him is that he was a main of deep faith, which was reflected in his artwork.

Sally Johnston talked about growing up with Shafer in the Fairfield school district, and how they were both in the drama club. Shafer drew her a Tommy Trojan mascot, and Johnston liked it so much she had it framed, and still possesses it to this day.

Suzan Kessel spoke about Shafer’s membership in the Fairfield Art Association, which began when he was still in high school, as one of the organization’s founding members.

“Mark was a wonderful artist and friend,” Kessel said.

Joe Hunt spoke about how he and a few other guys including Shafer got together monthly to chat and sip Templeton Rye. The group became known as the Templeton Templars.

“We’d get together to solve the world’s problems, but we couldn’t remember them the next day,” Hunt joked.

Mark’s wife, Susan, said she feels mixed emotions when she hears Mark’s friends recount their good times with him. She enjoys the stories, but the heartache of missing Mark still remains.

“None of what I heard was a surprise, but it was beautiful to hear,” Susan said.

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Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com

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