David Pfeffer

David John Pfeffer, 71, of Battle Lake, MN, succumbed to cancer at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls on December 31, 2017.

Dave is survived by Bonnie, his wife of 49 years; daughter Jennifer Pfeffer-Dittes (Bob) of Buffalo, MN; son Jonah Pfeffer (Sarah), grandchildren Cael, Carly, and Mac of Deephaven, MN; sister, Deanne (Dick) Messer; three brothers, James Pfeffer, Ron Pfeffer and Gerald Pfeffer; along with many nieces, nephews and additional extended family. Dave was a loving father, husband, grandfather, uncle and friend to those who were close to him.

Dave grew up in a farming family in rural Bertha, MN, and graduated from Bertha Hewitt High School in 1964. He attended Bemidji State University graduating with a Physical Education degree in 1968. It was there he met Bonnie Bruggeman whom he married later that year. Together they moved to Browns Valley, MN, where Dave taught physical education and coached wrestling. When an opportunity opened in the Battle Lake Public Schools, they made the move to the lake community. Many friendships were instantly formed as they planted their roots surrounded by fellow educators. Dave taught and coached from 1970-1979 at Battle Lake High School, where his students and wrestlers were the highlights of his career in education. After teaching, he created his own insurance business and pursued other interests before purchasing a small plumbing business involving the opening and closing of seasonal cabins. This business grew into a full time, year-round occupation in which he continued to work until his death.

Above all else, Dave loved his family, hunting, his “woods,” the sport of wrestling, and supporting whatever endeavors his children and grandchildren took on. His hunting passion led him to hunt deer, buffalo, and elk in a variety of different locations, while his love of wrestling called him to ref for thirty years in the MN State High School League and to attend the MN State Wrestling Tourney and the National Competition on a regular basis. He had a committed, hardworking, and intensely focused and driven personality that made a lasting impression on all who met him.

Dave’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the Lake Region Healthcare staff at the Fergus Falls hospital for their loving and caring support over the last month. The cancer fight was grueling and painful, but made easier by the wonderful team of doctors and care staff at the facility.

Visitation:  5:00PM - 7:00PM Thursday, January 4, 2017, with a 7:00PM sharing of memories at First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake

Celebration of Life Service:  10:30 AM Friday, January 5, 2017, at First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake, MN.

Clergy:  Reverend Bradley Skogen

Arrangements by Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake

Online Guestbook:  GlendeNilson.com

David's Memorial Folder