Frank Pfeiffer Sr.

A kind and honest person, Frank Pfeiffer was a wonderful man to know and love. No stranger to hard work, he provided well for the family entrusted to his care. Frank was just as friendly as he was outgoing and he formed and nurtured numerous friendships throughout the years. He also forged a legacy always to be remembered through his generous nature and loving spirit, and for these things and so much more, he will be dearly missed.

By 1929, the days of the flapper and the infamous Roaring Twenties gave way to hard economic times. Just merely the beginning, the Great Depression was officially launched in a country that had seen much growth and prosperity. Despite these troubling times, Frank and Magdalena Pfeiffer of Detroit, Michigan had hope for better tomorrows. This was especially true on July 8, 1929 when they were blessed with the birth of their little boy, Frank J. Pfeiffer.

One of five children in the Pfeiffer’s bustling household, Frank grew up alongside his siblings, Justina, John, Theresa, and Helen. His father worked as a barber while his mother looked after their home along with her job as a hairdresser. Despite the changing world around him, young Frank enjoyed a childhood typical of his generation. He loved watching any movie that included Gene Autrey, and he especially loved westerns. Sports played a vital role in Frank’s early years. Some of his favorites included baseball, football, hockey, and bowling. In fact, as a young adult from 1948 to 1950 he even bowled on the St. Margaret Mary Bowling League. Bowling was something Frank truly enjoyed and he continued to do so for years to come.

Frank attended the local schools and later landed a nearly 30-year career working at Stroh’s Brewery in the bottle shop. During this time, Frank was introduced to a young woman by the name of Barbara who captured his heart. They met through Frank’s aunt, and he and Barbara made for quite a match from the very beginning. They soon began a dating relationship, and after falling deeply in love, the couple was happily married at St. Christine Church in Detroit which came to include 52 years of a deep, abiding love.

Before long, Frank and Barbara came to share their love with four wonderful children. Frank Jr. “Buddy”, Stephen, Jacquelyn, and Michael filled their hearts and home with much love and activity. Along with his children, Frank had many pets over the years, but he was particularly quite a cat lover. He presently had three, including Jack, Toby, and Cleo. When it came to being a grandparent, nothing delighted Frank more than spending time with his two grandchildren, Michael and Jessica who brought him great joy.

Frank enjoyed spending time with his family. Camping trips with Stephen and his wife, Renee always proved to be very enjoyable for Frank, along with trips to Frankenmuth, catching a show at the IMAX Theater, visiting the Henry Ford Museum, and the wonderful memories made renting cottages in Grindstone City each year. Frank continued his love for bowling. He played on several leagues through the years for Stroh’s Brewery. He competed in numerous bowling competitions, having received trophies for his average game of 230. Frank was an avid fan of the Detroit, Tigers and Lions. He followed them closely, always rooting for the home team! When it came to music, Frank took in the easy listening sounds and he loved singing to the tunes of crooner, Frank Sinatra.

As the years went on, Frank may have slowed some, but he continued to have a great memory for names and dates. This came in handy as Frank was quite the family historian. The death of his beloved, Barbara left Frank feeling her loss in a mighty way, yet with the love and support of family and friends, he was able to carry on. Never to be forgotten are the kindnesses Frank bestowed on others through his generosity. Throughout his life he gave of his time and talents, and his honest demeanor was well respected by many. Deeply missed, Frank will be remembered fondly in the days and years to come.

Frank J. Pfeiffer, Sr, age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, December 8, 2016. He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara. Frank was the loving father of Frank, Jr “Buddy”, Stephen (Renee), Jacquelyn, and Michael; the beloved grandfather of Michael and Jessica; and the dearest brother to the late Justina, Theresa, Helen, and John.

Frank’s family will receive friends Friday, December 23, 2016 from 1-2 PM at Leonard A. Turowski and Son Funeral Home, 9300 Middlebelt Rd, Livonia (between W. Chicago and Joy Rd) where a memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM. Feel free to sign Frank’s online guestbook, share a memory or condolence with his family using the tabs above. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests donations to Special Olympics-Bowling. Please note Area 15 on the memo line. Mail donations to Central Michigan University, Mt Pleasant, MI 48859 or SOMI@SOMI.org.