Funeral services will take place on Friday, January 2, 2026 at 10:00 AM (Mountain).
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota
Philip, South Dakota
In memory of
Roy Pfeifer
of Philip, South Dakota, died on Thursday, December 25, 2025 from Pancreatic Lung Cancer at the Scotchman Living Center in Philip at the age of 83
Joseph “Roy” Pfeifer was born December 12, 1942, at the hospital in Philip, the son of Lawrence and Marie (Hanson) Pfeifer. He attended grade school and high school in Philip. He joined the Army National Guard of SD as a junior in high school. He left for basic training in October of 1962 and spent six months in Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. He was activated during the Cuban Missile Crisis. During that time, he lived at home and worked with his dad digging water wells until he married Margaret Dineen. He met his wife of 58 years on a blind date, with her best friend Kathy Burns McDaniel and Roy’s best friend Donny Schofield on Friday, September 23, 1963 at a Philip football homecoming game. Roy and Margaret were the winning team all these years.
Roy and Margaret married July 1, 1967, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and have resided all these years in Pfeifer Ville of Philip, and to this union were born four children Steven, Doug, Holly and Audra Lynn. They took over the family farm from Roy’s dad, Lawrence Pfeifer, in 1969. During this time Roy continued digging wells with his dad. Roy and his dad purchased a Ditch Witch trencher in 1966. Roy and his dad, continued to work together until 1976, when Lawrence got sick. After that time Roy and Margaret purchased four different Ditch Witch trenchers. Roy started at age 14, helping dig wells. Margaret started helping to dig wells in 1977. Roy and Margaret continued digging water wells until 1990. They continued trenching water line until February 2025.
During these years Roy milked cows with brother Robert “Barny” and then the later years, Roy and his four kids milked cows, until the kids all graduated from high school. He also raised hogs and chickens during a few of those years. Roy and Margaret had range cattle until they sold all their cattle on October 28, 2025.
Survivors include his wife Margaret; four children Steven (Mary) Pfeifer and their son Miles of Fairfield, California, Doug (Katie) Pfeifer and their kids Maddie and Elliot of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Holly (Garret) Votruba and their sons Jeremiah and Zach of Severance, Colorado, and Audra Lynn (Johnny) Heinman and their daughters Tiffany, Heather, and Stephanie of Springfield, Missouri; eight great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law Donna Pfeifer of St. Maries, Idaho; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Marie (Hanson) Pfeifer; five brothers Melvin, Larry, George, Leo, and Robert "Barney" Pfeifer; two sisters Ella Mae Ketchum and Elaine Williams; nephew Delbert Pfeifer; and nieces Delia Harty and Krystal Pfeifer.
Roy is at rest with our Lord. He is loved and will be missed by many! You are in our Prayers!
Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 676 Philip, SD 57567.
A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. with a Christian Funeral Vigil Service at 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2026 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.
Christian Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.
Christian Funeral Committal with military honors will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
VISITATION
Thursday, January 1, 2026 - 5-7 p.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota
CHRISTIAN FUNERAL VIGIL SERVICE
Thursday, January 1, 2026 - 7:00 p.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota
CHRISTIAN FUNERAL MASS
Friday, January 2, 2026 - 10:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota
PRESIDING MINISTERS
Father Grant Gerlach
Deacon Lloyd Frein
MUSIC
Marianne Frein - Pianist
Shelby Hanson - Cantor
“Shall We Gather at the River” #602
“River of Glory” #649
“Gift of Finest Wheat” #345
“Song of Farewell” #812
“Precious Lord, Take My Hand” #640
LECTOR
Rita O’Connell
PALLBEARERS
Lester Pearson - Tom Williams
Jiggs O’Connell - Nick Konst - Elliot McQuirk
Larry Swift - John Schofield - Shane O’Connell
Nels Crowser - Gary Stephenson - Mick Mortellaro
Michael Mortellaro - Donnie Schofield - Clyde Schlim
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Knights of Columbus Council #2679 and
American Legion Wheeler-Brooks Post #173
CHRISTIAN FUNERAL COMMITTAL
WITH MILITARY HONORS
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
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Margaret, I am very sorry for your loss of Roy. He was a good man and I always enjoyed visiting with you both! Thoughts and prayers in this difficult time! Kelly ~ Kelly Pfeifer Mitchell (1/1/2026)
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Margaret and family, so sorry to hear of Roy's passing. Put hearts go out to you during this time of grief! He is in good hands now. Please all be safe. Mike Linda and Chase Caruso ~ Linda Caruso Lakeville Mn. (12/30/2025)
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Margaret and family, so sorry for your loss. He was a special man. If we can do anything please call us. ~ Glen and Rose Bennett Philip, SD (12/28/2025)
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So sorry to learn of Roy's passing. May the love of family and friends help comfort you all in the days ahead. ~ Karen Webb Rapid City SD (12/28/2025)
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So sorry to hear about Roy. He was such a good friend to our entire family. Many memories of Warren and Roy's friendship. The kids loved visiting your home while growing up. Rest in peace Roy. ~ Amelia Hurley Philip (12/27/2025)
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Our hearts are broken, we lost a longtime true friend. We both have so many memories of things we have done with Roy and Margaret. We will miss Roy so much, but know that he is in a better place. Love and prayers to Margaret and families. ~ Les and Joann Pearson Pearson, SD (12/27/2025)
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We are so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers for you all. Let us know ifyou need anything. ~ Shelli and Mike Lind Gillette, WY (12/26/2025)