Harold Francis Pfister III

Harold Francis Pfister III was born on December 25, 1947, in Evanston, IL. He died on September 13, 2026, in Fitchburg, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kathleen and H.F. “Bud” Pfister, Jr.; brother, C. Eugene “Gene” Pfister. He is survived by his sisters, K. Jennifer Pfister (Milwaukee) and Merrilee (Minneapolis); sister-in-law, Linda Guhr Pfister (Muskego); his beloved nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews; as well as extended family members and life-long friends all over the United States.

Bud grew up in Hinsdale, IL, Oshkosh, WI and Beloit, WI. He graduated from Beloit Memorial High School (1965) with honors. Graduating from Harvard University, he began his career in Fine Arts museum management at the National Portrait Gallery (Washington D.C.), as an Assistant Director. He co-curated the exhibit, “Facing the Light – Historic American Portrait Daguerreotypes” and produced the 1978 exhibition book. He also curated “American Portrait Drawings” (National Portrait Gallery) in 1980. During his fine arts management career, he obtained his Master of Science in Art Conservation degree from the University of Delaware and then became Acting Director of the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Museum of American Fine Arts in New York City. 

His next move was back to Boston. Leaving the Smithsonian, Bud took a career turn and earned his law degree from Harvard Law School. He practiced mergers & acquisitions law in Boston (Kirkland & Ellis) and then relocated back to Chicago, a return to the family ‘s Midwest home base. Bud took care of his mother after his father’s death, and eventually returned to Wisconsin, first near Milwaukee and then in the Madison area. Rounding out his government service, Bud enjoyed a career as a USPS rural mail carrier in the Milwaukee area, and then retired to Fitchburg, near Madison.

Bud loved family, life-long friends, classical music (played at high volume), the arts, lively political discussions, and his cats, Leo and Rosie. Although he struggled with health issues most of his life, he had a wonderful sense of humor, a strong sense of moral justice and a deep commitment to the principles he chose to guide his life.

A private graveside service and internment will be held next Spring at Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie, IL.

Memorials may be sent to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Chicago, IL, (www.spucc.org), The First Congregational Church of Beloit, WI (www.firstcon.org) or the local animal shelter of your choice.

 “Loving Son and Brother, Faithful Friend.”

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

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420