RICHARD SCHIFFERN

IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Richard Albert Schiffern, 61, of Idaho Falls, passed away April 28, 2008, at his home after a long, courageous battle with fronto temporal dementia. He was under the care of Hospice of Eastern Idaho.

He was born July 8, 1946, in Valentine, Nebraska, to Charlie Alvah Schiffern and Gladys Mae Morrow Schiffern. He grew up on the family ranch with his seven brothers and sisters, where he spent his days helping out on the ranch. He always said that he didn't like milk after having to drink milk fresh from the cow. Dick attended Shadley Creek Grade School, then went into the town of Springview and graduated valedictorian from Keya Paha County High School in 1965. Dick then moved to Lincoln, Nebraska and attended the University of Nebraska - Lincoln where he studied chemical engineering, graduating in 1970.

Dick met the love of his life, Jaci Ashworth, when they were living in Denver. They were married January 22, 1972, in Idaho Falls, Idaho and then had their first son Shadley in 1973 while living in Richmond, Virginia. They moved back to Idaho Falls where Cory, and then Alison were born. Dick worked as a chemical engineer for Western Electric and then as a project manager at the INL. He was a brilliant man and loved the challenges his job brought. He was an amazing leader, and was named Executive of the year in 1982.

As life progressed, Dick was always very involved in the lives of his family and friends. His kids were the light of his life. He coached sports for all three kids, participated in Indian Guides and Princesses, helped with school and science fairs. He taught us how to ski, bike, fish, and learn. Dick was very active and his natural athletic abilities showed through in everything he did, playing all sports, running a marathon, coaching, riding his bike. He also loved to try new things - he was game for anything. He took ballroom and country line dance classes with Jaci, traveled around the country to see performances of his kids and Broadway musicals. He loved the mountains; when he moved to Idaho he became an avid hiker, fly-fisherman, and skier. He also loved to go to Island Park, snowmobiling, sledding, and cross-country skiing.

He joined the Presbyterian Church in 1976 and served as an elder and a deacon; he remained committed to the church until the time of his death. He enjoyed many close friendships through the church, and they welcomed and nurtured him always.

He also remained close to his family in Nebraska, making yearly trips out to see his mom and family. The family trips floating down the Niobrara River will never be forgotten. He loved Nebraska; nothing made him happier than to watch Husker football, and then play the fight song on the piano.

Even when Dick got sick, he maintained the same exuberance for life. He took pleasure in small things that are often taken for granted; long walks and bike rides, feeding the ducks at the river, looking at the wild animals around town. He was always ready with a wave and a smile. His favorite part of every day was his cinnamon roll and coffee at Mrs. Powells. He was a gentle soul, and we all learned to appreciate his new persona, and we loved him all the same.

We will all miss Dick; the sparkle in his eyes, his easy laugh, the exuberance with which he lived his life, the dignity with which he passed. He was an amazing husband, father, brother, and friend; we know that he will be watching down as his family grows in his absence, and his presence will be sorely missed. The space that he filled in our lives will now become a permanent space in our hearts.

We truly appreciate all of the kindness that people showed to Dick through such a hard time in his life.

He is survived by his wife, Jacilyn Ashworth Schiffern, Idaho Falls, ID, children Shadley (Lynn) Schiffern, Davidson, North Carolina, Cory Schiffern, Chicago Illinois, and Alison Schiffern, Salt Lake City, Utah. He is also survived by his siblings Bill (Linda) Schiffern, John (Barbara) Schiffern, Tom (Michelle) Schiffern, Janet (Dean) Hays, Mary (Robert) Peterson, and Margaret Schiffern, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Charlie and Gladys, and his sister Martha Schiffern.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday May 2, 2008, at the Wood East Side Funeral Home, 963 South Ammon Road, Idaho Falls, ID. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 7 to 8pm and Friday for one hour prior, both at the funeral home. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Hospice of Eastern Idaho or a charity of choice.

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Condolences received online:

Paula Spencer
O_Spencer@msn.com
Our deepest and heartfelt condolences at this time. It has been an arduous few years for you all, including Dick. Now you can be at peace and he will be as well. Our hearts are with you. I am trying to arrange my work schedule to attend the funeral; if all goes well, I will be there.

Nancy Jones
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all as you face this difficult time. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. We love you all.
Garth & Nancy Jones
Andrea & Melodie

Carolyn and Jack Depperschmidt
deppercd@ida.net
Our thoughts are with you. We treasure our happy memories of the early days in IF.

Evan Moore & Josh Rhea
Sending our love, thoughts and prayers.

Linda Treat
lindatreat@q.com
Jaci and family, I'm so sorry about Dick. I can say that I know what you are going through because my own husband passed away two years ago. I knew Dick briefly at the INL and I know that he was well respected. I knew you at Emerson grade school and knew that you were a very happy person who had a great family. If there is anything that I can do for you, please do give me a call. You'll go through some strange emotions for awhile so do rely on friends and family. Take courage in the knowledge that Dick is now embarked in a great time of his existence. No more confusion or pains just the wonder of where he is at the possibilities.
My thoughts and prayers are with you!!!
Linda Treat

Rick Hawk
Please accept my condolence for your loss. Dick was my boss at work at the INL for several years as we were removing spent fuel from an older facility.
He was always a kind and gentle person, with bright eyes and a smile. He maintained this demeanor through many tough issues and times, and was a pleasure to work with. I will remember his eyes and smile!
My thoughts and prayers are with your family and Dick.

Barbara Galloway
BJGalloway@aol.com
Although we do not know each other, I send condolences on the passing of your husband and father. Many times I was the recipient of his wave as I drove past him on his bicycle. I read with sadness the article in the Post Register and can barely imagine all that you have gone through collectively as a family.
God Bless you all.
Barbara Galloway

Lorraine Ross Hall
lrh.mbs@gmail.com
Dick and I were classmates all through high school in Springview, Nebraska. He was a wonderful boy, greatly admired and liked as a teenager--talented, smart and fun--and grew to be an amazing man. As an adult, when he visited Springview, he often took the time to see my parents, and they always enjoyed his visits very much.
I am so very, very sorry for your loss. My very deepest sympathy to the entire family.
Lorraine Ross Hall, NYC

Sherry Kunz and Family
jsccsmkunz@msn.com
Jaci, I just wanted you to know that you're in our thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if you or your kids need anything at all . . . . love always.
Sherry, John, Christian, Clayton, Samuel, Matthew Kunz

Sally Amar
samar@custertel.net
Dear Jaci and Family, I'm so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. I lived directly behind the care facilty he lived in on first street. I moved about six months ago to be with my Mom and help her. I have an English Mastiff That Dick truly enjoyed on all of his walks around the perimeter of the facility. It was really great when he asked me one day if he could have my dog and I told him of course.. So everyday on his walks he would say my dog is so beautiful. Mack would always go over to the fence and jump up to give Dick a kiss. His smile and the sparkle in his eyes was such a wonderful sight. I know he will be truly missed and I am so sorry for your loss. He became a great friend to me and Mack. I wish you all the best in the years to come. Jaci, you taught my son Nick in kindergarten at Dora Erickson and to this day you were always his favorite teacher.. He is now married and graduated from college and turning 28 this year, he also asked me to tell you how sorry he is for your loss. My deepest sympathy. Sally

Matt and Bonnie Jones
joneshb@aol.com
You are in our prayers. Dick was a very special person. We are so blessed to have known him.
Matt and Bonnie Jones and Family

Charlie Lovejoy
Charlie.Lovejoy@icp.doe.gov
Both my husband (Mike) and I worked with Dick at the INL (I worked with him at TAN in the late 1980's). He was a wonderful person and we will always remember him. Our thoughts are with your family.
Charlie Ann Lovejoy

Tom Samek
TSamek@aol.com
My deepest sympathy to the family of Dick Schiffern. I met Dick as a freshman at the University of Nebraska. I walked in to my new room at brand new Abel Hall in 1965 and there was my new roommate and his high school friend, Bill Jamison. Two cowboys from western Nebraska. Dick, I remember, was from Long Pine, mailing address: Nordon Rural Station. I guess it was to small for a real post office. The guy I met that day would become my best friend in college. We lived together for the first three years of college. Some marriages haven't lasted that long. Dick, Bill and I shared an apartment our sophomore year. I know that Dick was sick for the last ten years, but I have the luxury of having not seen that. I can remember the real Dick Schiffern. The guy who ever one envied because he was sooo smart and good lookin'. He always had the world on a string. If all men were like Dick there would be no crime or war in the world. This guy was genuine and the nicest guy a person could ever call a friend. I am deeply sadden, but I know he now does not have to deal with his illness. We will all miss him. A good husband, a great Dad and the best friend a man could ever have. Tom Samek

Rich and Pat Hentzen
rhentzen@srv.net
Our heartfelt sympathies. Dick was a marvelous individual. Always a pleasure to work with, in my case with youth sports. Also a pleasure to be able to coach his sons. After working out of town so many years, it was a shock to discover his illness and the fact he no longer knew me. You have been able to enjoy a wonderful man, but suffer a lot through his illness. Our prayers and sympathies are with you.

Renee Portrey
Dear Cory,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your wonderful father. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Renee Portrey - Drama teacher - Taylorview Jr. High

Carrie Uhlorn
Jaci,
I am so sorry for your loss. Richard was such a great person and will be greatly missed. Please know you are continually in my thoughts and prayers during this tough time. Please pass my deepest sympathies and love on to your family.
Carrie Uhlorn (Gardner)

Dean & LaRayne Arnoldsen
dlarnoldsen@peoplepc.com
Dear Jaci,
We are saddened to hear of Dick's passing. We are in Sandpoint, ID and heard the news from our grandson, Luke. We share in your loss and extend our deepest concern and love to you and your family. I regret that I was unable to be in Idaho Falls to help with his services. Our son, Aaron sends his sympathies to you as well. God bless you at this time of sorrow as he has in your past difficulties.
Dean & LaRayne Arnoldsen

Bill and Mary Corn
bill.corn@qwest.net
Jaci, John, and families
We were so saddened to hear of Dick's passing. Our friendship is over 40 years old going back to the U of Nebraska. We have many wonderful memories of college, the trip to Vegas, and our trip to Idaho Falls. We valued his friendship very much. Please know you are all in our prayers and thoughts. Best regards, Bill and Mary

Marie Mueller
mpmueller85@hotmail.com
My deepest sympathy to the whole Schiffern family. I first met Dick while I was one of Cory's roommates in college. We were snowed in one weekend while Dick and Jaci happened to be visiting us in Colorado, and I will never forget spending countless hours that weekend playing games at the kitchen table while Dick told stories and horrible jokes to keep us entertained. I will remember him best as a gentle man with an undeniable love of animals – I can still see him walking along the beach with his favorite companion Kirby (the wonder dog) trotting along beside him. My thoughts are with you all in this difficult time: may good memories and your love for each other sustain you in the time ahead.
- Marie

The Harrells
My dear ones,
As I’ve been preparing for tomorrow my memories have been playing like a favorite old movie. What I would give to be able to replay some of those days.
Jaci its been such a privilege to share not just the good days but the not so good ones.
Dick was the perfect example of dignity and grace. He lived an exemplary life in sickness and in health. What a different world this would be if each one of us could do this in our lifetime.
This is an awesome legacy to leave children and grandchildren. May we all leave an impact on this world as he did.
We love all of you very very much...
Bobbie and Dennis

Gary and Jan Trohkimoinen
Dear Jaci, Shad, Cory, and Alison,
How difficult it is to say farewell to a husband and father, especially a person like Dick. You have our deepest sympathy. We cherish memories of our time as your neighbors, and of Indian Guides, Cub Scouts, Tee Ball, Y-Basketball, and Little League with you. Dick was a terrific role model in every aspect of his life. May he rest in peace, and may God continue to give you comfort and strength.

Jeff and Kristin Trohkimoinen
jtrohkimoinen@yahoo.com
Schiffern Family,
We were very saddened to hear of your loss. Dick was truly a great man. It was an honor to know him when I was growing up in Idaho Falls. I have many fun memories from sports, Scouts, and neighborhood activities. I will always remember Dick for his kindness and generosity. He was a terrific role model, and he touched the lives of many people. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Bob and Pam Chase
Dear Jaci and Family,
We just want you to know how sorry we are for your loss. Dick was a wonderful, kind and caring man. He touched so many lives. May God bless you and your family.
With our Deepest Sympathy.
Bob,Pam and John Chase

Linda Morgan
lindamorgan27@hotmail.com
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Dick. I worked with Dick at the Site in two different groups from about 1979 on - first in Projects for Joe Dugone, then with James Kaylor's group for FAST. I was a secretary at the time.
He was always such a pleasant cheerful man and of great help to me when I needed someone to help me make a decision. I remember him passing on many stories of his early life in Nebraska.
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy at his passing.

Gail Robbins
Iambrett@juno.com
Jaci and family - We were planning to be there today but unfortunately we have also had a death of an uncle that prevents us from joining you. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and that we have such wonderful memories of you. We spoke many times of Dick's struggles and I know that you were a wonderful support for him during the tough times. Please know that we are thinking of you today.
All our best, Brett, Gail, Julia and Garrett Robbins

Mary Klingler
Jaci . . . Steve and I and family send our sympathies to you and the family . . . we'll always have fond memories of Scouts, soccer, Edgemont PTA, etc. and all our involvements.
Take care . . . Mary Klingler

Dick Thomas
tbd@xmission.com
Dear Jaci and family,
What a great day! Thank you all for the wonderful service for a great man. I feel I know Dick so much better and admire him and his many accomplishments. If only I could do an inkling of what he has accomplished in this mortal existence!!!! I left Idaho Falls today with a strong desire to be a better person, father, husband, and friend. Dick was so supportive of our family reunions. I enjoyed being with him as much as blood relation. His stories were great (golf just so-so)! Everyone said he was handsome. He said he was handsome! He did "somewhat" help contribute to more beautiful kids in our family, although we all know your mom (Jaci)is most responsible for your (Thomas) good looks.
Love Dick Thomas

Chet McCormick
cjmac@inebraska.com
Jaci & Family:
Please accept my sympathy in Dick's passing. Having grown up two miles away, attending grade and high school together and the yearly visits back to Valentine -- it is like losing a family menber, We were a a close knit community and his smile, wit,and cheerful attitude brought a ray of sunshine to even the cloudist of days. I could tell a couple or three years ago when he was here he was not his ole self. He was a good friend and I will miss him. Remember the good times in the days ahead and be thankful for those. He was indeed a class act.
GO BIG RED!!
Love, Chet & Pam McCormick & Family

Cheryl Allen, Keith Baker, Tom Lewallen
We worked with Dick at the site in the 1980s and were sorry to hear of his death. He was enjoyable to work with and was unfailingly cheerful. Our sympathy goes out to the family.

Daysha & Kris
namasteyogastudio@yahoo.com
We would like to send our sympathy to Jaci & her family for the loss of Jaci's husband. We are so sorry for your loss, though we are also inspired to be stonger and more caring by what we see in Jaci. Jaci is a beautiful person and we hear similar things about her family and how they are handling the loss of a loved one. We send you our love and care and wish the best for all of you.
Love, Daysha & Kris (Namaste Yoga)

Margaret (Williams) Linse
glinse@elkhorn.net
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Dick. We graduated from Keya Paha High School in Springview, NE, in 1965. He was such a good and kind person and I can tell by his obituary that we was greatly loved and respected by his family and friends in Idaho. When my father died in 1995, my mother received a sympathy card and such a nice note about his memories of my father. Most people after being gone for 30 years would not even think of sending their condolences to a classmates mother. I have fond memories of Dick during our high school - he was always the "smart" one and willing to help any of us with algebra, chemistry, etc when we just couldn't seem to "get it"! I know he will be greatly missed by his family and friends and we send our sincere sympathy to all of you and know that you will be in our prayers for peace and understanding.