Keith Shaffer, age 72, passed away on June 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on March 12, 1954, Keith lived a life defined by devotion to his family, pride in his roots, and appreciation for the simple joys that brought people together.

Keith was a proud Chicagoan. He was born on Chicago’s North side and attended Chappell Grammar School. He was a graduate of Lane Tech High School, class of ‘72 where he did track and swimming. He carried his Chicago roots with him throughout his life and remained deeply connected to the city and culture he loved.

Having lived a full life, Keith was a man of many stories. Spending summer days at Foster Avenue Beach, working at Lincoln Quality Meats as a butcher, riding around on his bike causing trouble, visiting Joe Browns farm and hanging with his childhood friends, Pat, Dez, Third and Mark. Most stories are about his mischievous side, but he always made sure to let you know that he never got caught because he was faster than everyone else.

One of Keith’s struggles in his early adult life was an affliction with alcoholism. The stories of his youth come through when hearing how he got 57 stitches in his chin going through the windshield but was okay because he was so drunk. As a true testament to his unbreakable strength and devotion to his family, he successfully overcame the disease, becoming sober in 2010 and remaining so until his passing day.

If you met Keith, you would know summer was his season. He took great pride in preparing and maintaining the family pool each year, creating a place where his children and grandchildren could gather, laugh, and make memories together every summer for years. For Keith, the work that went into the pool was never a chore, but an expression of love for the people who meant the most to him. If he was outside his radio was always dialed into 93XRT. It was the soundtrack of summer days spent by the pool. If he wasn't in the pool, he was messing around in his garage that was filled with nostalgia from all his lives he lived or working on the grass.

Keith also had a special place in his heart for dogs. As a 46-year resident of the Des Plaines community, many residents would get the pleasure of talking to Keith while he was walking them. He cared for many over the years and would fondly remember his beloved Bandit, Cindy, Reggie, Buddy, and Sharpie. He cherished the companionship of Phoenix, Gamora, and Nebula until his final day and had been adamant that he needed to end his journey at home so his pups would not think he abandoned them.

Above all else, Keith loved his family with all his heart. The family he started with his wife Oksana was what gave him purpose. He worked at Dry Storage for almost 20 years, sometimes third shift, to support his family. Nothing brought him more joy than being a dad, and eventually a grandfather. He was dependable, and though he may have dawdled at times, his family could always count on him. From school pickups, rides to the airport, and errand runs at his favorite stores; Sam’s Club, Menards, and Jewel, he was your guy. He tried his hardest to be the best man he could to his wife and it showed when most of his wishes at the end were trying to ensure she would be okay when he would be gone.

Due to his steadfast devotion, and tell-it-like-it-is personality, Keith garnered a number of nicknames for himself: Pool man, errand guy, airport bitch, gopher, old man, rad dad. However, his most well-known, well-deserved and affectionate nickname was Paga. Lovingly given to him by his grandsons he embraced the role with immense pride and endless love. The bond he shared with his grandsons was one of the greatest treasures of his life and were truly relationships to be envied.

Keith is survived by his beloved wife, Oksana Shaffer; his daughters, Alana Broska and Amanda Shaffer Moran; his cherished grandsons, Cole Broska, Cullen Moran, and Holden Moran; his sons-in-law, Kurt Broska and Patrick Moran; and sister Karen Greb.

Keith will be remembered for his kindness, outgoing personality, his dedication to his family, love of music, love of dogs, talkative nature and the pride he took in caring for those around him. He is already deeply missed, but thankfully the memories he created and the love he shared will continue to live on in the hearts of anyone who had the chance to know him. A true legend.

Cancer stole him too soon.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers you can support Keith's end of life wishes. https://gofund.me/f097fea11