Lawrence "Larry" Pfeifer

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

Service Details

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.

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