Donald E Pfister

Donald E Pfister

November 15, 1930 - April 10, 2024

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Obituary

MADISON - Donald Pfister, age 93, formerly of Monroe, Wis., passed away peacefully on April 10, 2024. Don lived a full life with his wife, Jane (d. 2005), and four children, Sara (Bob), David (Min), Mary and Linda (Todd). He grew up near Argyle, Wis., and he left the farm for the Korean War, where he saw combat and earned the rank of Sergeant First Class.


After the war, he and Jane settled in Monroe, where he was sole proprietor of the Motor Mart for over 40 years. Don enjoyed traveling. He and Jane could often be seen in their 1965 Chevrolet Impala convertible driving along the Mississippi and stopping in Saukville to see the eagles. They regularly piled their children into a station wagon for road trips. For the past 20 years, Don enjoyed many hobbies including car restoration, woodworking, and geology. He was an avid reader and enjoyed political discussions-he always had an opinion. He had a soft heart for many a stray cat and didn't mind that the squirrels ate the seeds from his bird feeder.


Always the Wisconsin progressive, Don followed state and local politics and voted in every election. He enjoyed lively conversations with his many friends at The Gardens and Oak Park Place in Madison since 2014. In addition to his children, he is survived by his brother, Jerome (Judy); sister-in-law Daloris Pfister; and seven nieces and nephews.


Don has donated his body to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. A memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced. Donations may be given in memory of Don Pfister to the Green County Humane Society of Monroe, Wis., (greencountyhumane.org) or the Ferry Bluff Eagle Council of Sauk City, Wis., (ferrybluffeaglecouncil.org).

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

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KM
Karen Moucha
Other •
Extending my deepest sympathies on the loss of your father and wishing you comfort and strength. Karen Moucha
CP
Craig Pfister
Other •
I feel very fortunate that Donald Pfister was my uncle. Underneath his gruff exterior was a kind and caring man who valued hard work, education, and kindness to animals. I always enjoyed our many conversations and his life long interest in geology and archeology was a positive and influential guide throughout my life . My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Craig Pfister
JS
Jean Sinkule
Other •
I am sorry to read that Don Pfister has passed away. I was a young teller many years ago and Don came into the bank I worked at then....like clock work. As a new teller, just starting out, I wasn't sure I wanted to wait on this gruff guy, but I soon learned that he wasn't so gruff and you'd get a smile and he'd crack a joke too. May you Rest in Peace Don. My sympathy to his family. Jean (Monaghan) Sinkule
RC
Rose Carlson
Other •
As a high school girl I spent some happy times at the Pfister home. Sara and family, my sympathy to you. Rose (Rufenacht) Carlson
AM
Alan & Sally Meana
Other •
Don was a wonderful friend and neighbor. He was always there to help out. He loved animals. One time there was a raccoon prowling in our neighborhood. It was even sneaking into his house through the cat door, eating cat food. Don decided he needed to move the raccoon. He got a live trap and set it out one evening to catch the raccoon. He waited about 15-20 minutes and went out to check the trap. However, he had caught his own cat instead! He eventually did catch the raccoon and took it a few miles away. We cherish our great memories of Don. Our deepest sympathy to his family Alan & Sally

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