Gerald “Jerry”‘s Obituary Gerald “Jerry” Pfeifer, 74, Bowbells, N.D. passed away on Sunday May 26, 2019 in the Kenmare Hospital. Gerald Manfred Pfeifer was born August 27, 1944, a son of Hilbert Sr. and Gladys (Swenson) Pfeifer in Crosby, N.D. He always said he was the middle child of 6, an older brother, then twin brothers, himself then his younger brother and sister.
Jerry was “supposed” to be a girl; so he ended up helping more inside, but still was part of outside farming activities. He was raised on the family farm, the same one he farmed, and which is now farmed by his son Steven. Jerry continued to be involved in some way with farming until he passed.
He was educated in Bowbells, graduating from there in 1962. He then went to Minneapolis, M.N. where he worked in a hospital. For a semester, he attended NDSU Fargo, N.D. On September 4, 1963 Jerry enrolled in ND State College of Science in Wahpeton where he received his Trade Tech Diploma in Printing on May 27, 1966.
He started his newspaper career at the Kenmare News. On July 21, 1967, Jerry was united in marriage to Ollie Ann Folkers in Tolley, N.D. they Started their life together in Watford City, then Rugby, moving next to Crosby in 1969. He had worked for the newspaper in each town.
Deciding to try a new adventure, they purchased the clothing store in Bowbells, January 1974. Always one for challenges, they acquired the Bowbells Lanes and fast food. When his brother Dwight decided to sell the Bowbells Tribune, Jerry has the opportunity to get back in the newspaper business.
Meanwhile, since the building could be 2 stories, why not put the newspaper upstairs, add a lounge area to the bowling alley, and because no manager was found, run that business too? His love of farming was always with him, so he helped his father on the farm. Gradually the businesses were sold and he stayed with farming full time.
While farming, he was often the one to try the new approach; he was actually one of the first in this area to have a semi, for example. He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, across N.D. and Canada, fishing with the grandchildren, the cabin at Mouse River Park, planting and harvesting. His son Steven loved racing including motorcycles and moving up to cars, so of course Jerry became a pit man and avid fan.
He continued to like racing, especially when his grandson, Sladen started driving a Slingshot. He also was an avid NDSU Bison football fan watching and re-watching the recorded games. Of course, one of his favorite pro teams is the Philadelphia Eagles.
He loved to visit because he was interested in the other person. He often became a confidant. It was as though they knew their story was safe with him.
He truly loved people, especially his pride and joy–his grandchildren. As his physical health began to deteriorate, no matter which condition, others wouldn’t know until the decline became obvious to the naked eye. He would not complain and it certainly wasn’t going to keep him out of the tractor or the combine!
Nor would he stop taking drives “to check the crops! ” Jerry was lifelong member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. He was a strong believer with a quiet disposition.
He had also been involved as a Sunday school teacher, Bowbells Business Club, Jaycees, Bowbells Golf Course, School Board (and as president proudly presented his son Steven with his high school diploma). He was currently on the Fire District. Recently he became a part of the Monday Night Card Group which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Jerry is survived by: Wife of 51 years, Ollie Ann, Daughter: Stacey Pfeifer; Son: Steven (Karen) Pfeifer, Kris Schestler- who Jerry embraced as his own son “Son #3”; Grandchildren: Connor Sheppard, Caitlin Sheppard, Sladen Pfeifer and Acelyn Pfeifer; Siblings: Hilbert Jr. (Joyce) Pfeifer, Dwaine Pfeifer, Dwight (Bev Johnston) Pfeifer, Norris (Rynenne) Pfeifer, Ella Marie (Jerry) Gustafson; In-laws: Otto (Ruby) Folkers, David Folkers, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother in law Berend and Anna Folkers, son Scott; in laws Carolyn Pfeifer, Judi Pfeifer, Evelyn (Gerald) Swanson, Elaine (Frank) Woodall. Visitation: Friday May 31, 2019 one hour prior to the service at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Bowbells, N.D. Funeral Service: Friday, May 31, 2019 at 2 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Bowbells, NDD Burial: Bowbells Community Cemetery, Bowbells, N.D. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to sender’s choice or to the family memorial to be chosen at a later date.
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