Schaffer, Virgil

Theatre. After the war he returned to N.W. Airlines as a flight radio officer and was aboard the first survey flight to inaugurate civilian passenger service to China.

As radio technology advanced, flight radio operators were no longer needed, however, Virgil's passion for radio was still strong. He left North West Airlines and moved to Cedar Rapids, where he joined Collins Radio as a test technician and later a production line foreman. While working at Collins, Virgil met and married Jitka Hajek in 1951, retired from Collins in 1974, and was a partner in the Czech Cottage Gift shop along with his wife, Jitka, and son, Robert, from 1975 until his passing.

He was a licensed amateur (ham) radio operator (W0FBH) his entire adult life as well as a member of MARS (military affiliate radio service).

Virgil is survived by his wife, Jitka; son, Robert; sister, Pat Gaines; brother, Ed Schaffer (Mary); grandson, Jason Schaffer; granddaughter, Wendy Schaffer; great-granddaughter, Ryleah Dunlap; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Martha Jane Brownlee; brother, Fred Schafferl son, Steven Schaffer; daughter-in-law, Jean Schaffer; and daughter-in-law, Julia Schaffer.

Memorials should be directed to the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library.

Respecting Virgil's wishes, there will be no services.

Published Jan. 12, 2012, in The Gazette