Having lived in Kosciusko County for over 50 years, Steve & Carolyn are guided by a simple and encouraging philosophy: “Don’t worry about mistakes. If you learned something along the way, it wasn’t a mistake at all. Think of all the opportunities you could miss if you never tried.”
Steve, a graduate of Warsaw High School, served in the United States Air Force for 4 years. While stationed in Dover, Delaware, he met his wife, Carolyn. Steve & Carolyn were married in 1971 and have two children, Chad and Sherry, six grandchildren, and one great grandson.
In Steve’s early career, he worked alongside his brother as they opened Shaffner’s ViewPoint on the Lake and purchased the Holiday Inn, now Wyndham Garden & Palette Restaurant. During the renovation of the hotel and restaurant, Steve did the overseeing of the remodel.
In his free time, he enjoys trap shooting, is a lifetime member of the American Legion, the Alpha Lodge No. 172, the Scottish Rite, and the Mizpah Shriners.
Carolyn graduated from Indiana University with a B.S. Degree in Education and a Master’s of Science in Education. Her love of education began at an early age watching her mother as her first teacher raised four daughters. Carolyn, a teacher for over 30 years, taught second and third grade students at Jefferson Elementary for her entire teaching career.
Carolyn is active in TriKappa working diligently on improving charity, culture, and education efforts through the donation of her time and talents in Kosciusko County. They give much credit to their parents for instilling a strong work ethic in them. “I began working for my father at CBS vending when I was just 10 years old,” Steve said. “I equally would try and drum up anything to sell in my neighborhood or offer to mow lawns and shovel snow just to make some extra money,” he said with a smile. “Entrepreneurship was in my DNA. With all the business adventures we explored, there was nothing more reassuring for me and Carolyn than the advice from our parents.”
While they have spent time annually in Naples, Florida since retiring, they have lived on Winona Lake for over 40 years. Their favorite aspects of the Kosciusko area are the 100 plus lakes, trails, parks, beaches, Wagon Wheel, and the Village at Winona. “It’s such a great place to raise a family,” they said.
As a tribute to their love of education, the Steve & Carolyn Scholarship Fund will be used to help strengthen educational opportunities for the youth in our community today and for years to come.
To give to the scholarship fund, click HERE. Checks can be sent to 102 East Market Street, Warsaw, IN 46580 with “Steve & Carolyn Shaffner Scholarship Fund” in the memo line.