"So sorry for your loss and for all of us who new Phyllis. Phyllis was always one of my favorite people, my godmother, and my moms best friend. I will miss all her great stories, her wonderful laugh, and her dedication to the Vikings! Phyllis was always so kind and generous. Her talent in sewing showed in all she made, including a formal gown she made for my mom in 1962. I still have the picture of my mom in that beautiful gown and it always amazes me. I will miss her. I know she's with Jim now, and in peace. "
In loving memory of
Phyllis M Pfeffer
March 7, 1929 - November 19, 2020
Phyllis Mae Pfeffer, 91, Rochester, passed away peacefully Thursday, November 19, 2020, at Seasons Hospice House in Rochester, MN.
Phyllis was born March 7, 1929, in Morristown, MN to Leslie and Helen (Rutz) Bloomer. She was a graduate of Morristown High School. On August 6, 1950, she married James Pfeffer. For forty years she was the bookkeeper and receptionist for Pfeffer Plumbing and Heating, owned by her husband, until he retired in 1989.
Phyllis was a member of the Saint Mary's Ladies Auxiliary for over 25 years, and was honored to serve as president for two years. As a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church, she served on a variety of committees throughout the years. Her sewing was done with perfection - even while helping repair high school football uniforms! Many friends and family members are enjoying quilts or wall-hangings remembrances from her. The birds, deer, and any other animal that came to her plentiful backyard feeders were well-fed and well cared for. Her enjoyment of collecting antiques and making handmade greeting cards was out-rivaled by her devotion to the Minnesota Vikings. She was fortunate to attend many home games with her good and faithful friend, Anne Rentz.
Being an excellent cook, Phyllis didn't often have the option of going out for dinner because her husband would say, "I like Phyllis's kitchen!" That didn't bother her because she was a happy cook! Family and friends enjoyed numerous fish fries, thanks to Jim's love of fishing and her expertise in the kitchen. Phyllis was self-taught and always willing to learn new things (except the computer!). Being a fun-loving, extroverted person, she left a lasting impression on most anyone she met.
Phyllis is survived by her daughter, Tamara (Jim) Nothwehr, PA; son, Michael (Judy) Pfeffer, Rochester; grandchildren, Andrea (Tim) Skoraszewski, PA; Scott (Chummy) Nothwehr, PA; Gregory (Ashley) Pfeffer, St. Paul; and Bradley Pfeffer, Rochester; sister, Lois (Denny) Midtvedt, WI; sister-in-law, Priscilla Bloomer, MN; and several nieces and nephews. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Jim in 2018; brother, Maynard; sister, Gloria; and her parents.
Special thanks to Jon Vik and his son Ethan whose neighborly help allowed Phyllis to remain in her home for an extended period of time; thanks also to Michelle Hines and Sharon Zitzmann for their loving support and friendship. The family also wishes to thank the wonderful staff at River Bend and Seasons Hospice for their compassion, kindness and the care they provided Phyllis during her final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Rochester, or a charity of your choice.
A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Trinity Lutheran Church 222 6th Ave. SW, Rochester, MN 55902. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service. Rev. Nathaniel Schwartz will be officiating with inurnment at Oakwood East Cemetery at a later date. Due to Covid-19 masks will be required for all services and social distancing will be observed. The funeral will be livestreamed through trinitylutheranchurch.org Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in memory of Phyllis. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Pfeffer family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"My mom Vi Reiland who worked with your mom for years in the St. Mary?s gift shop would like to send her condolences. Please know that she is thinking of you all at this sad time. Judy Wittenberger for Vi Reiland"
"I'm sorry to hear of Phyllis passing. I will pass on to Dawn and Brad. Take care and hope the good memories will help you during this difficult time."