Marvin Pfeiffer

A man who accomplished so much of which to be proud, Marvin Pfeiffer was a man of integrity who never worried about building wealth according to the world’s measure, but focused his attention on building relationships with those he treasured most. He was a hardworking man and the “go-to” guy who could fix nearly anything in need of repair. With the love of his life, Joanne, by his side for more than 55 years, Marvin helped raise the children who later gave him the gift of grandchildren and great-grandchildren many times over. Although life will never be the same without Marv here, his timeless words of wisdom, kindhearted ways, and unending love will live on in the generations who follow him.

Life during the 1930s were days that were cloaked in deep hardship due to the unrelenting grip of the Great Depression. Countless people were without jobs, which left many without homes and the hope of a reprieve anywhere on the horizon. Despite the difficult circumstances that surrounded them a young couple was filled with joy to welcome a healthy baby boy into their hearts and home on September 3, 1936. Baby Marvin was one of five children born to his parents, Henry and Marie (Beemster) Pfeiffer, and was raised in the family home alongside his siblings, Richard, Verna, Joanne, and Glenn.

In many ways Marvin experienced a childhood that was reflective of the times. To say he was mischievous as a boy is a bit of an understatement. When he was only about two years old Marv was known to bite his dog’s tail a time or two. As a young boy he also smashed about 20 empty milk bottles from his father’s dairy truck, which was not without consequences for him. By the time he was a teen Marv worked as a paperboy in Racine’s downtown district. He attended St. Mary’s Grade School and went on to St. Catherine’s High School.

Not to be forgotten during his time as a young man was Marv’s introduction to the woman who stole his heart. Her name was Joanne Heck, and they met in home room during his junior year at St. Catherine’s High School. A dating relationship ensued and they began to become a couple attending many formal dances including Junior & Senior Prom.

After graduating from high school in 1954 Marv went on to serve his country in the United States Army. He was a radio operator in the 6th Armored Division at Fort Leonard in Wood, Missouri. Before going overseas, Marv and Joanne were engaged and they wrote to each other daily while he was stationed in Ulm, Germany for 2 years.

With a desire to build a life together, Marv and Joanne were married on November 24, 1959, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Together they were blessed with three sons: David, Daniel, and Steven, and four daughters, Ann, Jeanie, Lori, and Judi. Through the years the Pfeiffer family enjoyed spending time together. Some of their favorite experiences were spent camping, and going to church and breakfast together as a family always topped Marv’s list. Sometimes good friends joined in this tradition as well.

In order to support his family Marv first worked as an apprentice electrician. After 4 years servicing his apprenticeship Marv worked for a number of electrical contractors. In 1978, he and his friend, Jim Thompson, owned and operated Electrical Systems and Services for the next 20 years. Marv also kept busy woodworking and was often helping his children and friends do electrical work at their homes. He was a true handyman who could seemingly fix anything as no project was too great.

Throughout his life Marv enjoyed many things that greatly enriched his life. As his friends and family can attest he was passionate about golf, especially when he was with his buddies. When he became a grandfather Marv couldn’t have been happier, and spending time with his grandchildren quickly became one of his favorite activities. He was a regular at all their school and sporting events, and there were nothing like memorable Christmas traditions in their family, especially Grandpa’s Christmas morning omelets. His family will always remember the dance he created, the Marv Dance, which was popular at all celebrations and weddings with family and friends. While enjoying some down time Marv could often be found on his computer.

Something that Marv will fondly be remembered for were his favorite sayings. We will never forget hearing him say, “Measure twice, cut once,” and, “Kill two birds with one stone.” A couple more of Marv’s most common words of wisdom were, “It’s your upper lip,” and asking, “Have you checked the oil in your car?” While working he was known to comment: “It’s just a piece of cake,” and, “there ain’t nothing to this electrical work”

Through the life he lived each day Marvin Pfeiffer made the most of each moment he was given while cherishing the friends and family he loved more than life itself. He was so vibrant, fun-loving, and full of life, which was contagious to others wherever he went. Marv will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

Marvin D. Pfeiffer died on March 7, 2012. Marv’s family includes his wife, Joanne; three sons, David (Mary) Pfeiffer of Waukesha, Daniel (Patti) Pfeiffer of Naperville, IL, Steven (Cara) Pfeiffer of Racine; four daughters, Ann (Dan) Kelley, Jeanie (Dr. Malcolm) Hatfield, Lori (John) Suchla, Judi (Steve) Behrendt, all of Racine; twenty-nine grandchildren, Michelle (Rich) Jacobi, Catherine (Dan) Zuperku, Amanda, Jonathan, Kaitlyn, and Meghan Pfeiffer, James Pfeiffer, Joy (Steve) Blankenheim, Jenny and Julia Pfeiffer, Erick (Gwen) Robertson, Laura (Ryan) Dehart, Craig and Karin Robertson, Rebecca (Tony) Arndt, Tom (Amber) Pfeiffer, Jamie Pfeiffer, Pemba Mwepu, Rachel and Erika Kelley, Dana Mrazek, Mackenna Hatfield, Malcolm “Tre” Hatfield III, Mary Hatfield, Jacob and Andrew Suchla, Lauren, Sammi, Jack, and Luke Behrendt; great-grandchildren, Aaron Arndt, Quentin, Tyler and Renae Dehart; Wyatt Robertson; brothers and sisters, Richard Pfeiffer of Milwaukee, Verna Smet (Quinn) of Stoughton, WI, Joanne Pfeiffer of Ames, IA, Glenn (Sue) Pfeiffer of Racine; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Alvin (Carol) Heck of Peyton, CO, Patricia (Robert) Merritt of Big Bear Lake, MN, Ronald Heck of Beaver Dam; special friends, Sandi and Steve Nylander, Maryellen Carlson and family, Jerome Pfeiffer, all of Racine, and many golf buddies; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, March 12, 2012, 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie Street, with Rev. Sean Granger officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Sunday, March 11, 2012, at the funeral home from 4:00-6:00 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass. Private interment will be held. Memorials to St. Joseph Catholic Church or to St. Catherine’s High School have been suggested. Please visit www.lifstorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or sign the online guestbook.