"We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother, Mae. Our thoughts are withe the entire family. "
In loving memory of
Mae G. Pfahler
January 5, 1922 - December 11, 2014
Madison - Mae Pfahler, age 92, died Thursday, December 11th, 2014 with her family by her side at Oakwood East. She was born on January 5th, 1922 to the late Henry and Alma Bevirt. She was raised in Milwaukee and later met her future husband Donald at a dance. They were married on January 10th, 1943 at Randolph Field, San Antonio, Texas. After their marriage, Mae returned to Milwaukee where she raised their first child while Donald was overseas. During this time she also worked for the war effort, where she assembled cockpits of fighter planes. Upon Donald's return from the war, the couple moved to Madison, where they had two more children. While raising three children, she also worked in various retail positions. Her hobbies included gardening, cooking, painting, and various church activities. She loved spending time with her family, traveling, and going on vacations to northern Wisconsin.
Mae was preceded in death by her husband Donald, her brothers; Melvin, Wayne, and Charlie, her sisters; Marie, Harriet, Nora, and Mary Jane.
Survivors include her three children; Donald Jr (Linda Dawson) Pfahler, Richard (Sandy) Pfahler, and Jane (Richard) Hemberger, six grandchildren; Madelaine (Chuck) Saxon, Evan (Laura) Pfahler, Jennifer (Brett) Putney, Matthew (Alyson) Hemberger, Sam Lundsten, and Emma Lundsten, nine great-grandchildren; Isabelle, Nicolas, Beckett, Brett, Ellis Mae, Alystair, Basil, Beatrix, and Matilda.
Family and friends may call at Cress Funeral Home (3610 Speedway Road, Madison, WI 53705) on Monday, December 22nd from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Father Bill Nolan presiding. Mae will be laid to rest next to her husband at Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Salvation Army and Agrace HospiceCare.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Oakwood East Memory Care and Agrace HospiceCare for their compassionate care of Mae during this long journey.
In her journal, Mae fondly recalled how proud her father was of her voice when, as a child in Milwaukee, she sang on the radio. She also provided insight into what guided her throughout her life: "To Always Be Nice."
Cress Funeral Home
3610 Speedway Rd
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-3434
Tributes
"We were neighbors of Don and Mae just two doors up at 4465 Hillcrest Drive. This was our first home and we moved there in 1986 and lived next to Don and Mae for nine wonderful years. Don was the first neighbor we met when he stopped by our house on his daily walk the day we moved in to welcome us to the neighborhood. We were the youngest couple living on Hillcrest Drive by about 40 years of age, but both Don and Mae treated us as if we were long-time residents. You couldn't have met two nicer people in all the world than Don and Mae and we often thought of them when we moved away and spoke of them many, many times over the years and how blessed we were to have such terrific and friendly neighbors as those two. They would always wave to us if we were outside when we saw them in their car either coming or going, or if they were out doing yardwork. When our daughter was born in 1988, we often walked her past Don & Mae's house and they would often wave from their front picture window or say hello to our daughter as she grew up in her early years and graduated from a stroller, to walking, to a tricycle to a bicycle. Mae was such a classy woman and was always dressed so well and kept her home just so impecable. They were one of the main influences for us to make sure we kept our new home looking good and presentable to others as we didn't wan't to disappoint the Pfahler's! We often drive past our old house (and Don and Mae's old house) and always say outloud what wonderful people they were. Even though we lived next to them for nine short years, they left a lasting impression in our hearts. We are saddened for your loss, but hope it gives you some comfort in knowing that others have always thought so fondly of your Don and Mae for the past 28 years and will continue to hold a special place in our hearts of them for the rest of our lives. Don and Mae, it was a pleasure to have known you and thank you for welcoming us to your old neighborhood and for being such caring individuals! Our deepest sympathy to you and your families. "
"I had the pleasure to meet Mae about a year and a half ago when my mother, Naoma Lyster, moved to Oakwood Meadows. She and Mae usually sat together at meal times and I often observed them chatting. Their connection emphasized to me that making friends is a life-long endeavor. I found Mae delightful--so gracious and such a beautiful smile. My mother, Mae, and I spent many lovely times in the courtyard garden and gazebo this past summer. She used to make me laugh too--because she came up with some great wise cracks! Rest in Peace, Mae; you touched my life and I will miss seeing you at Oakwood. My sympathies, Kathryn Lyster "
"Jane,Dick and Sandi, we are sorrry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. "
"Mae, I will miss your smile, those quick comeback responses when someone says something to you and your love of those little packages of chocolate cookies. To your family it has been indeed a pleasure to have visited your mother/grandmother these past years as a volunteer visitor at Oakwood East/Meadows. Rest in peace my friend."