John F. Schaffer

John Fredrick Schaffer, age 82, of Sioux Falls, passed away Saturday, March 7, 2026, peacefully at his home. 

His Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory. Interment will be in the Hills of Rest Cemetery.

Visitation with family present, will begin at 1:00 PM, Thursday, March 12th, at the George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory. 

John Fredrick Schaffer was born on October 12, 1943 in Flandreau, SD, to Herbert “Fritz” and Mary (Miller) Schaffer. The family lived in Aurora, SD, until John’s father passed away. John and his mother moved to Flandreau, SD, until John eventually moved to Sioux Falls, SD, and enlisted in the United States Army in January of 1962. John was an Honorable discharge in January 1965.  

John then returned to Sioux Falls. On June 12, 1981, he married the love of his life, Dianna Lynn Painter, and became a devoted father to Dianna’s three children, Paul, Mike, and Melissa. John had a long career with Dockendorf Equipment and retired after 43 years of dedicated work on December 29, 2016.  

John had a very special bond with his daughter, Melissa, especially after the passing of her mom, his wife, Dianna. They spoke daily, had weekly lunches, expressed their love every time they spoke, and he made sure she knew how much he loved her up to the last moments of his time here on earth. John also had a special relationship with Jesus, praying to Him daily for all his family. His favorite scripture was Psalm 23. John also loved Nascar, golfing, Chicago Bears, Street Rods and genealogy. Most of all, he loved his family.  

John is survived by his son Mike (Kristen) Moots, daughter Melissa (Paze) Cook, daughter in-law Jonay (Tim) Moots, Grandchildren, Tony (Kristin) Moots, Tim Moots, Ashley (Eric) Winter, Elin Moots and Everly Moots, as well as multiple great grandchildren who called him papa. He was proceeded in death by his parents, wife Dianna, son Paul, and grandson Josiah.