Obituary: Lawrence "Larry" Pfeifer

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In memory of

Lawrence "Larry" Pfeifer

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Monday, February 13, 2012 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital in Rapid City at the age of 75

Lawrence Peter Pfeifer Jr., better known as Larry, was born during the Great Depression on May 18th, 1936, at the family home near Philip. Larry was the fourth of eight children born to Lawrence and Marie (Hanson) Pfeifer. He grew up and attended school at Philip and joined the Army on February 2, 1956.
Larry was united in marriage to Virginia Darden on November 13, 1957, in Lawton, Oklahoma, their six children are Mark, Barbara, Danny, Darrell, Delbert and Scott.
On July 13, 1968, Larry was united in marriage to Helen Solon in Philip, South Dakota, and to this union were born a daughter Mary and a son Kelly.
After returning from the service, Larry was a mechanic for Dorothy Brothers in Philip. Later he was a car salesman and part owner of the business as well.
Larry and Helen purchased the Thunderbird Motel in 1972 and purchased the 73 Bar in 1975. They later sold these businesses to ranch full time. They ranched their entire married life.
As a young man, Larry raced stock cars in Pierre, Rapid City, Miller and Huron. He had a lifelong passion for racing and cars in general. For years, he enjoyed collecting saddles, bits, spurs and had quite an extensive collection and enjoyed sharing their history. He enjoyed team roping at the 11 mile and Philip roping arena. He also really loved to play cards at the pool hall and later the Philip Senior Citizens Center, and he never passed up an opportunity to play a practical joke which many can attest to. Larry and Helen loved to dance. They enjoyed many days and nights of dancing in the area until his body would not allow it any more.
Truly blessed and grateful for sharing his life are his wife Helen of Philip; children Mark Pfeifer and his wife Deb of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Barbara Weaver and her husband Danny of Conroe, Texas, Danny Pfeifer and his wife Malinda of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, Darrell Pfeifer and his wife Sharon of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Delbert Pfeifer of Tulsa, Scott Pfeifer of Erie, Pennsylvania, Mary Burnett and her husband David of Philip, and Kelly Pfeifer and his wife Ashley of Mitchell; 13 grandchildren Matthew Pfeifer, Kezia Weaver, Laura Pfeifer, Cody Pfeifer, Justin Pfeifer, Mitchell Pfeifer, Shae Pfeifer, Blaze Pfeifer, Melissa Holland, David Burnett, Keegan Burnett, Ethan Burnett, and Carver Denning; three great-grandchildren Ayden Noe, Jordan Noe, and Luke Pfeifer; four brothers George Pfeifer and his wife Donna of St. Maries, Idaho, Leo Pfeifer and his wife Janet of Lynnwood, Washington, Roy Pfeifer and his wife Margaret of Philip, and Robert Lee “Barney” Pfeifer of Philip; one sister Ella Mae Ketchum of Marysville, Washington; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents; one brother Melvin Pfeifer, and one sister Elaine Williams.
Visitation was held 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, February 15th, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, and one hour preceding the services on Thursday.
Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 16th, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Father Kevin Achbach officiating.
Interment with military honors was at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
A memorial has been established.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Thursday, February 16, 2012 - 10:00 a.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Father Kevin Achbach
MUSIC
Marilyn Millage - Pianist
Roger Porch - Vocalist
“Beyond the Sunset”
“Just A Closer Walk With Thee”
Melissa Holland - Vocalist
“How Great Thou Art”
USHERS
Sonny LaBeau - Mark Radway
PALLBEARERS
Jim Bloom - Mark Buchholz
Mike Noteboom - Bill Slovek
Gary Stephenson - Billy Markwed
Bob Berry -Jerry Neville
Dave Hemmingson
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Open the Memorial Folder

Visitation: 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, February 15th, at the American Legion Hall in Philip.
Funeral services: 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 16th, at the American Legion Hall in Philip.
Interment with military honors: Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

Sign the guestbook

So sorry to hear about Larrys death. I spoke to him when I was back for Sonnys funeral and we enjoyed reminiscing about our high school days and our lives!!! We both graduated in 55!! I know he will be missed. ~ Janet Humphrey Fredericksburg, VA (2/13/2012)
Dear Helen and family, May God grant you all peace and comfort during this difficult time. I will always remember Larry and his passion for the cars and his warm smile. ~ Sharon Johnson Oklahoma (2/13/2012)
Dear Mary and family,

So sorry to hear about your dad. Thinking of you and sending prayers your way. May God bless and comfort you during this very difficult time. ~ Amy Beers Howard, SD (2/13/2012)
Helen and family words cannot even begin to express the loss of Larry. He was a great man and was always so good putting up with you Helen and me and my boys as we all traveled together to MANY ballgames. Lots of great memories of him will be treasured by myself along with Jeremy,Shawn and Dana,he treated us as part of his very own family always a smile and a great welcome!! He will be missed and Helen if you need a friend to lean on just call I will be here as open heartedly as you always have been to me!!! ~ Cindy and Rowdy Philip,SD (2/13/2012)
Helen and family-We are so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. We go back a long ways with the car racing etc. he and Ron did over the years. Please know we are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow. Sincerely. Cork and Bev ~ Cork & Bev Jahner Kerrville, Texas (2/13/2012)
Helen and family: We are so sorry for the loss of Larry. What a great, caring man. Our son Brad grew up with Kelly, and Larry would always ask how Brad was doing and what he was up to. Larry even helped find Brad's first pickup! See what I mean.....so caring of others. Larry will surely be missed by many.
God's peace and comfort during this difficult time. ~ Don & Jolene Haynes Philip (2/13/2012)
Dear Helen and family, We have so many wonderful memories of Larry from work to fun. We enjoyed his sense of humor and he was always willing to pitch in and help whenever there was work. We are so sorry for you all and pray for comfort from your own memories of this wonderful man during this difficult time. If you need anything you have only to call and we will be here. God Bless you all. ~ Gary and Julie Nixon Philip, SD (2/13/2012)
Helen and family,So sorry for your loss of Larry.I remember going to your house for different Holidays when I was Janes' roommate. He always joked and made me feel welcome. May God comfort and wrap his arms around you during this time. ~ Nancy Matthew (Youngman) Sturgis,SD (2/13/2012)
Mary and Dave,The loss of a father is always hard but there memories live with us the rest of our lives.
May you find comfort in the Lord. Jim Barber ~ Jim Barber Bx.21 Wall S.D. (2/13/2012)
Helen and Family,
We were so very sorry to hear of your loss. It is so very hard to lose the important people in our lives. Just know that Larry has no more pain, trial, or tribulation. It is all in his past and his future is golden, as are the memories you shared with him in this life. Hang on to those in the days ahead. He is resting now in God's care. You are certainly in our thoughts and prayers now and in the days ahead. ~ Donnie and Bobette Schofield Milesville, SD (2/13/2012)
Our Deepest Sympathy goes to you all at this sad time, with the loss of a loved Husband, Father, Grandfather & friend. We trust your wonderful memories of Larry will help you through the days that follow.

We have wonderful memories of our time with you all at the Solon Reunion in SD in 1999.

Cousin Len & Merril Bourne.
~ Len & Merril Bourne Auckland, New Zealand (2/13/2012)
Sorry to hear of Larry's death, we graduated together and he was always so good to talk with when we had our school reunions and other places. Praying for God's peace and comfort for all of you, he will be missed by all. ~ Mary Keyser Rapid City (2/13/2012)
I was so saddend by the news of Larry's illness and death. My heart and prayers go out to all of you in your time of loss. We will miss is grat love for life and great smile. The old neighborhood is slowly dwindling, but the memories will live on in our hearts. ~ Dan & Esther Oldenberg Philip, SD (2/13/2012)
Helen and Family,
We wish to extend our utmost sympathy to you and your family on your loss. I know that my Dad also wishes to do the same. While there are many fond remembrances, personally I will miss seeing Larry's smile and talking to him over morning coffee at the sale barn.

Shizuko, Mike and Mark, and Uncle Hans ~ Mike Hanson Fairfax, Virginia (2/13/2012)
I wish to extend my sorrow for the Larry, family. HE was a mentor to me. God Bless. Ray ~ Ray Wilhelm 330Flormann St. RapidCity,S.D. (2/13/2012)
Mary and family,
So sorry to hear of the death of your dad. May God strenthen you and bless you during this difficult time. ~ Mark Ford St. Cloud, MN (2/13/2012)
So sorry to hear of Larry's passing. We were great friends when we lived in Philip Ron Larry and Frank had the race cars together. My symphathy to you and his entire family ~ Connie Vaughn Winner (2/13/2012)
Though not listed as a relative, I have a close kinship to the Pfeifer family. I always felt welcome in Larry's home while hunting there with Danny. God bless you. Dick Moore ~ Dick Moore 26833 Britton Bottom Ln., Howe, Oklahoma 74940 (2/13/2012)
Helen, Mary, Kelly & family - Our deepest sympathies to you all during this difficult time. May your memories give you strength as you face the days ahead. God Bless! Brock, Brittany, Taryn & Sawyer ~ Brock & Brittany Smith Philip, SD (2/13/2012)
Helen and family, what a great loss you are all going through. Even though there are so many of us cousins Larry always had a way of making you feel very special to him. It's hard to let them fly with the angels but hard to watch them suffer also. Thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. I envision mom getting some popcorn balls made up to greet Larry when he joined them in Heavan! I know how much he enjoyed those every year at Christmas. See you soon. ~ Tom and Jane Aasby Rapid City (2/13/2012)
I shall miss Larry's ready smile and gracious manner. He was so good to my mother in her later years, and I'm particularly grateful that he could get her to laugh even when she wasn't feeling well. I shall always remember the fellow with the mischievous grin sharing his zest for life. It was always fun to be around Larry. ~ Merrill and Bob Walz Kansas City, MO (2/13/2012)
Our sympathy on your loss! Larry was such a character and fun to visit! I'll miss him at the sale barn most of all! He was so proud of his family! May your many memories carry you thru tough times! ~ Shelia Trask Wasta SD (2/13/2012)
Dear Aunt Helen and family, we were so sorry to hear of Uncle Larry's passing. He will be missed. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love always
Linda & Roy ~ Roy & Linda (Hanson) Dean Snohomish, Washington (2/13/2012)
Mark, Barbara,Danny, Darrell, Delbert, and Scott.
I am sorry for your loss.
Aunt Berta ~ Alberta Mixon Sand Springs, Ok. (2/13/2012)
Helen,Mary, and family I'm so sorry for your loss. My favorite memories of Larry are of when I was a pit crew member for him(77),Ron Couch(66),and Frank Vaughn. We traveled many a mile together to Pierre,Rapid City,Miller,and Huron, and I have many memories from those trips, and I'm sure thats' where my love of auto racing comes from. See ya on the next parade lap pal-Henry Ford ~ Sherman Burns Sheridan Wyoming (2/13/2012)
Helen and family- Our deepest sympathy to all of you during this difficult time but know he is in a better place and free from all the pain. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless! Rudy & Susan ~ Rudy & Susan Roth Philip, SD (2/13/2012)
My thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of your loved one. ~ Bonnie Fitzgerald (2/13/2012)
Dear Family. There is not room for all the stories where Larry was an integral part of my life.
Being the only lefthand uncle he was to teach me how to tie my shoes we just went and got a pair of boots. The day that he brought me a mini bike. The day I taught Kelly to start a dozer, that was a day that larry was not laughing. He is looking down with my mom and dad and they are watching out for all, and putting in a good word. ~ Peter Williams Colorado (2/13/2012)
Helen, Mary and family,
So sorry for your loss. May you all find comfort during this most difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all. ~ J'Nai Hauk Philip, SD (2/13/2012)
Always enjoyed seeing Larry when he came to Silverleaf to visit his mother in law. He will be remembered. My thoughts are with you all in his loss. ~ Shirley Sweezy Box Elder (2/13/2012)
Danny- Our sincerest condolences on the death of your father, Larry.
~ Harry & Joan Smola Sapulpa, Oklahoma (2/13/2012)
We will miss Larry's big old smile and his genuine interest in "how you were doin'" every time you met him. My dad, Vint, spent many hours playing cards and visiting with Larry, his friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Helen, and all your family. God bless. ~ Lyndy & Kenny Ireland Philip, SD (2/13/2012)
Helen & Family,
We are saddened by Larry's loss. We have lost so many since the Hanson/Pfeifer family reunion in the Hills just a few years ago. I think back to my childhood when we would gather on Thanksgivings at Aunt Marie's table when Larry and the rest of the family would be together. Larry's ready smile will be missed.

Steve & Paulette Hanson ~ Steve & Paulette Hanson Nashville,TN (2/13/2012)
Helen and Family- Wishing you peace and comfort at this sad time. God Bless you and your family. ~ Diane Gittings Rapid City SD (2/13/2012)
Helen & Family,
Sorry to hear of Larry's passing. My thoughts are with you during this time of grief. ~ Grant Dorothy Sioux Falls, SD (2/13/2012)