Robert John Pfeifer

ROBERT JOHN "Bob" PFEIFER October 31, 1931 - August 5, 2014 Robert John "Bob" Pfeifer, age 82, of Park Rapids, MN, formerly of Waterloo, Iowa, passed into eternal life on Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at the Essentia Health Medical Center in Fargo, ND. Bob was born on October 31, 1931 at the St. Francis Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa to George and Anna (Wieting) Pfeifer. He attended St. Mary's of Mt. Carmel Catholic School in Eagle Center, Iowa from lst grade through the 12th grade, graduating with the High School Class of 1949. As a young man he engaged in farming with his father and brother, George near LaPorte City, Iowa. On May 19, 1953, Bob was united in marriage to Teresa Beck. Their marriage was blessed with five children: Michael, Duane, Ken, Danaya and Sharon. In addition to farming Bob also worked as an auto mechanic for Tate Cadillac and Oldsmobile in Waterloo from 1956 until 1978. Bob had a passion for hunting and fishing and in 1984, he and Teresa ventured to Detroit Lakes, MN where they purchased the Fern Beach Resort which they owned and operated until 1999. After retiring, Bob and Teresa moved to the Park Rapids area to be closer to their son, Mike and his family. They made their home next to Mike's resort on Little Mantrap Lake where Bob could help Mike with the operation of his resort when needed. Bob enjoyed his retirement years. Each spring he looked forward to planting a large garden he would nurture into fruitful abundance to share with his family and friends. He also raised beautiful flower beds into colorful splendor for all to see and enjoy. When his health was strong, Bob planted many pine trees on their property to benefit the birds and wildlife. He also enjoyed feeding the deer, birds and other wildlife that graced their lake property. Bob was a man of deep faith and enjoyed worship at the St. Edward's Catholic Church in Waterloo for many years and most recently was a faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Two Inlets, MN. He devoted his life to his wife and children. For many years he was a Boy Scout Leader for Troop #25 in Waterloo. His favorite times were times spent with his family. He especially recalled with great fondness a bear hunting trip to Canada he made with his son, Mike or building grand father clocks for his kids or building wooden toys for his grandchildren. His heart was deeply saddened by the death of his precious wife, Teresa in September of 2004 and the death of his son, Ken in 2013. His life was made complete again by his marriage to Kareen Harer, a long time family friend from Detroit Lakes in June of 2007. Bob was proud of his beer can collection which numbered over 1000, his toy tractor collection and his model railroads. In his spare time he especially enjoyed hunting and spending time in the woods, or out fishing the area lakes or out on his pontoon. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle in his early years and snowmobiling on the Northern MN trails. Above all, Bob devoted his entire life to his family, his friends and his Lord who he loved with all his heart. He will be lovingly remembered by his four children: Michael (Pam) Pfeifer of Park Rapids, Duane (Susie) Pfeifer of Machesney Park, IL, Danaya Pfeifer of Portland, OR and Sharon McCarville of The Colony, TX; his daughter-in-law, Chris Pfeifer of Cedar Rapids, IA; 13 dearly loved grandchildren and five precious great grandchildren; his sister, Genevieve (Gerald) Rhodes of Leesburg, VA as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Bob was preceded in death by his lst wife, Teresa; his son, Ken who died in 2013; twin daughters: Diane and Louann who died in infancy; brother, George in 2013 and a sister, Jeanette Hansen. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 AM Thursday, August 14th at the St. Edward's Catholic Church in Waterloo with Father Scott Bullock celebrating. The organist will be Fay Hansen and the Resurrection Choir will lead the mass music. The active casket bearers will be his grandsons and a nephew, the honorary casket bearers will be grandsons and granddaughters. Interment will be made next to his first wife, Teresa in the Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6:30 - 8 PM Wednesday at St. Edward's Catholic Church and for one hour prior to the service on Thursday. To view the video tribute or to leave online condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com