Douglas Pfaff
April 27, 1957 - January 14, 2024
Obituary
Douglas Donovan Pfaff passed away on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. He was born on April 27, 1957, to parents, Donovan and Joyce Pfaff in La Crosse, Wis.
He grew up on the family farm in Stevenstown, Wis. As a child, Douglas was known to participate from a young age. Growing up, he would work alongside the rest of his family to keep things moving on the farm. He was very active in the school's FFA organization, including winning the State Farmer Award. Douglas graduated from Melrose-Mindoro High School in 1975. He then attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville where he met his wife, Martha Rygh, and graduated in 1979 with a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics.
Douglas and Martha then moved to Mount Horeb, Wis., where they started their family. Nobody was more important to him than his three children, Justin, Stephanie, and Lincoln. He loved them unconditionally and was so proud of all three.
Doug knew how to take the lead; he was a leader! Over the years, he was involved in many community activities and fundraisers, including raising funds for the school district's Dream Gym project, a new local library, and a new ambulance for the Village of Mount Horeb. He was very active in Mount Horeb's Rotary International where he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow. He was also the Mount Horeb Summer Frolic President and Treasurer. Taking part in countless fundraisers, boards, committees, and associations, he was one who was never afraid to step up. Doug was a man of many talents and had much success in the insurance industry. He was a Qualifying and Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table.
Doug loved to entertain and was an avid sports fan. He spent years in the Mendota Gridiron Club supporting the Wisconsin Badgers football team and held season tickets for many years. Doug was a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan. Some of our family’s fondest memories were watching games together in our Packers Room.
DougIas is survived by his children, Justin (Vanessa) Pfaff, Stephanie Pfaff and Lincoln Pfaff (Samantha Friedrichs); grandchildren, Harrison and Camille Pfaff, children of Justin and Vanessa; and former wife, Martha. He is also survived by his brothers, Leon (Ruth) Pfaff and David (Pauline) Pfaff; along with multiple cousins, nieces, nephews, and other family members who were all very important to him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donovan and Joyce Pfaff.
At the time of his passing, he was living in the Delafield area where he had many friends and acquaintances. Doug was a bright burning light who had such a passion for life. Anyone who knew Doug will greatly miss him. He would light up any room he was in and would always greet you with a smile.
A celebration of life will be held at MARTINSON HALL, 108 S. Second St., Mount Horeb, Wis., from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024. Please attend if you can and share in a loving goodbye to Doug Pfaff!
In remembrance of our Dad, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, charitable donations be made to JDRF Illinois to help create a world without type 1 diabetes. Donations may be made payable to JDRF and sent to: JDRF Illinois, P.O. Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018. Charitable donations may also be made online at www.jdrf.org.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6731