Thomas Pfister
October 18, 2011

Thomas Francis Pfister, 72, Green Bay, died Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at a local hospital. He was born on November 15, 1937 in Milwaukee, WI to the late Francis and Hildegard (Schendel) Pfister. Thomas grew up in Horicon, WI and graduated from Horicon High School where he was the president of the class of 1956. He attended the University of Wisconsin Stout and Milwaukee School of Engineering. Thomas served four years as an Aviation Fire Control Technician in the US Navy aboard the USS Ranger. He was a long time member of the VFW Horicon Post 0157. On April 17, 1990, Thomas married Kathy Gittens Vassallo He was employed as an instructor at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College for 25 years in the Electricity program. Tom took special pride in bringing up young men in the electrical trade. He was a member of the National Education Association. In early years, Tom worked as a Maintenance Electrician for John Deere in Horicon. He worked part-time for Lamers Bus Lines and VanBoxtel RV Center. Tom enjoyed boating and was a former member of the Oconto Yacht Club. He and his wife, Kathy, had many boating adventures on the Bay and Lake Michigan. They especially enjoyed their summer boating trips to Mackinaw, St. Ignace, Petosky, Lake Charlevoix, Leland, Frankfurt, MI, and Door County, Annual winter vacations were spent in Las Vegas. The Crandon area was a special vacation place for Tom and he enjoyed many years boating, fishing and helping to teach children to waterski at Islandview Resort. He spent 8 wonderful years at his cottage on Lake Metonga and in recent years, Tom enjoyed riding in his golf cart at the Northern Getaway Trailer Park in Crandon with his Golden Retriever, Mandy. Other hobbies included golf, bowling, cooking, baking, fishing and gardening. He always had a passion for music and enjoyed singing....whether it was around the campfire at the lake, the piano bar in the city or with his karaoke machine at home. Tom had a great love for animals and is survived by a menagerie of canine friends including his Golden Retriever and special friend Mandy; his little buddy, Pfuzzy and his new little feline friend, Gracie. Tom perservered through many health problems, which limited his mobility. In these final years, Tom faced these challenges with great strength, courage and humor, delighting in spending time with his wife, family and friends. His love and compassion deeply touched many lives. He will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 19 years, Kathleen; daughter, Nan (Tony) Gutierrez, Menasha; son, Matthew Pfister (fiancé, Josie), Green Bay; step-sons, Jeffrey (Cathy) Vassallo, Denmark; Kirk (Tracy) Vassallo, Green Bay; Jason Vassallo (special friend, Kari), Green Bay; sister, Judy (Marv) Roggenbauer, Burnette; half-brother, Doug Pfister, Idaho; step-mother, Pat Pfister and step-sister, Judy (John) Dexter, Green Bay. Tom was blessed with six wonderful grandchildren, Anya, Marita, Trevon, Brennan, Alysha and Brooke, as well as six nephews, Bradley, Brett, Buddy, Brent, Johnny, Jeffry; special aunts, Doris Van Alstine, Godmother, Evelyn Schendel and many cousins, including Dennis, Susan and Melissa.
Tom was preceded in death by son, Michael Pfister; parents, Frank Pfister, Hildegard Schendel and grandson, Jerrad Gutierrez.
Friends may call after 4 p.m. on Friday, January 29, 2010 at Lyndahl Funeral Home, where a funeral service will take place at 7 p.m. with Deacon Steve Meyer officiating. Gathering time will also take place on Saturday, January 30, 2010, at Allouez Chapel Mausolem from 10 to 11 a.m. with full military honors to follow. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lyndahl.com.
Special thanks to the medical teams at Bellin Health, Bellin Hospital, the staff and volunteers of Unity Hospice who provided such the loving and compassionate care for Tom and the entire family during his final days.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Tom's name

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