Obituary for Larry Edward Schaffner

Larry Edward Schaffner, born on July 16, 1961, in the bustling city of Chicago, Illinois, departed this world on December 29, 2025, in Tacoma, Washington. He was a remarkable blend of intellect, humor, and devotion, leaving behind a legacy as vast as the lakes he worked so hard to protect.

Larry graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1983 and earned a Master of Urban Planning. He invested his talents as a stormwater program coordinator for both the State and Thurston County, dedicating his life to preserving water quality and advocating for environmental sustainability. In many ways, Larry’s work mirrored his personality—thoughtful, enduring, and impactful. Always aiming to improve the planet, he often joked that he was “just trying to make a splash in the world.”

He is survived by his beloved wife, Claudia Schaffner, whom he met in Bend, Oregon, and married in the stunning backdrop of Lake Tahoe, California, in 1992; his mother, Lois Schaffner; his cherished daughter, Jessica Schaffner; his brothers, Michael Schaffner of Chicago, IL, and Joel Schaffner, alongside his wife LaShonna Sharp of Arlington, WA. Larry was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Schaffner, leaving a gaping hole in the hearts of his family and friends.

More than just a dedicated worker and father, Larry was known for his sense of humor and sarcasm, often turning the mundane into moments of joy and laughter. Whether he was capturing photographs, tending to his garden, traveling to new destinations, or practicing Tai Chi, Larry embraced life with a zest that inspired everyone around him.

 A celebration of Larry’s life will take place at South Sound Manor/Funeral Alternatives, located at 455 North Street SE, Tumwater, WA 98501, starting at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Puget Soundkeeper or Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, supporting causes that Larry deeply cared about.

As we gather to honor Larry, let us remember the laughter, the shared moments, and the environmental legacy he leaves behind—a true friend, a devoted father, and a loving husband. A life that, though short, will forever remain a magnificent story in the hearts of those he touched.