Obituary of Fred George Pfeifer

April 1, 1924 – Ladywood, Manitoba

July 3, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Fred Pfeifer of Calgary, AB passed away on Saturday, July 3, 2021 at the age of 97 years.

Fred was born in Ladywood, MB on April 1, 1924. He grew up on the family farm in Ladywood and then settled in Beausejour, MB with his wife Julia. Fred became active in the community over the years. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus & Lions Club and served as a board member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church while living in Beausejour.

Fred was a talented musician and played the banjo in a band with his brother Joseph in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. After retiring the banjo he took up the organ and played for many years. He had a knack for not having to read music but could play from memory. His favourite song to play was “Red River Valley”.

Fred worked hard as a carpenter and cabinet maker dedicated to improving the quality of life for his family. During that time he was always the “chief carpenter” when building numerous furniture items for the children, grandchildren and friends. He was very generous with his time for family and when called upon he always enjoyed the time he could spend looking after his two granddaughters during their preschool and elementary school years.

After retiring he took up golf and enjoyed the challenge of the game, the exercise and meeting many other ‘single’ golfers in both Winnipeg and Calgary.

Fred was always excited for the opportunity to travel, especially when the entire family was along. Destinations included Florida, Hawaii, Mexico, Whistler, Toronto and Texas.

In 2001, Fred and Julia moved to Calgary, AB to be close to their children and grandchildren. Fred will be dearly missed by his family. Even though he lived a long, fruitful life, the last few years saw a rapid decline in his mental and physical health due to dementia. The man we knew and loved was no longer with us. He is in a much better place now and we are thankful for that.

Besides his loving wife Julia Pfeifer, Fred is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Roberta Gunther (Gord); son and daughter-in-law, Lewis Pfeifer (Tracy); two grandchildren, Chandra Gunther (Blaine), Natalie Stenberg (Eric); and five great-grandchildren, Khloe & Chase Kideckel, and Kaylee, Maverick & Bellamy Stenberg. Fred is also survived by his brother Stanley Pfeifer, of Winnipeg, two sisters, Frances Peltz, of Winnipeg and Helen Basarowich of Anoka, Minnesota; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by son Lawrence Pfeifer, parents, Leona and John Pfeifer; and brothers, Joseph and Henry.

The immediate family will be celebrating his life, sharing memories and toasting him in the near future. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Fred’s honour to Carewest George Boyack, 1203 Centre Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 0A5, Telephone: (403) 267-2750 or The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, 800, 7015 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2K6, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Fred’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

Fred’s family would like to thank all the staff on the fourth floor at Carewest George Boyack.

In living memory of Fred Pfeifer, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.