John R. Pfeifer, son of Ralph M. and Lucille M. (Scalise) Pfeifer, was born June 3, 1948 in Ayrshire, Iowa. He began his education at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Ayrshire where he completed grade school. He continued his education at Ayrshire High School, graduating in 1966. After high school, John enlisted in the United States Navy. He left to serve his country during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged after serving four years.
After his time in the Navy, John began working at Eaton Corporation in Spencer as a salesman in the Hydraulic Division. He traveled to all fifty states, as well as internationally. During his career with Eaton, he lived in several states including Minnesota, New Hampshire, and South Carolina.
John was united in marriage to Becky (Sorensen) Pfeifer and they were blessed with two children, John Patrick (J.P) and Dana. The Pfeifer family made their home in South Carolina. On July 18, 2012, Becky passed away at the age of 52. In 2013, after forty years of employment with Eaton Corporation John retired.
After John’s retirement, John and Rosemary (his former high school sweetheart turned fiancé) began communicating with each other and reconnected. After trips back and forth between South Carolina and Emmetsburg, John and Rosemary were once again engaged. They loved traveling together, taking trips to Arizona, New York, and Washington State as well as many other states. They also had the joy of going to Ireland and attending a Super Bowl game.
John not only enjoyed judging BBQ competitions, but he was a fabulous BBQ chef himself, making his famous ribs, lobster, and shrimp and grits for family and friends. He also liked playing card games and going golfing on his annual Eaton fall golf trip. John loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and attending any of their events. He also enjoyed attending Mass every Sunday at the Catholic Church in Emmetsburg. He was a sports enthusiast and liked watching all types of sporting events. He also had a soft spot in his heart for animals, especially dogs.
John passed away Friday, March 17, 2023 at The Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, MN, at the age of 74. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Lucille Pfeifer; his wife, Becky Pfeifer; a brother, Romaine Pfeifer; two sisters, Jacky Meadors and Kathy Richou (aka: the twins); and one grandson, Luke Jones.
He is survived by his fiancé, Rosemary Higgins of Emmetsburg; his children, John “J.P.” Pfeifer of Greenville, South Carolina, Dana Pfeifer of West Columbia, South Carolina; Mark and Lindsey Jones and their daughters, Natalie, Jillian, and Savannah of Emmetsburg, Missy and Scott Thilges and their children, Sean, Molly and Mica of Algona, and Mikel and Megan Jones, their daughter, Lucy of Emmetsburg; a brother, Roger and Georgette Anglum of Oak Harbor, Washington; two sisters, Alice and Joe Robertson of Oak Harbor, Washington and Marian and Gary Patnode of Gilbert, Arizona; as well as many other relatives including cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held in John’s memory at a later date in Emmetsburg.
In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to the National Kidney Foundation (Kidney.org). Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home.
Condolences can be left at
www.martinmattice
funeralhome.com
