Obituary of Charles Joseph Pfeifer

Charles Joseph Pfeifer, 93, died May 13, 2011 in Pleasanton, CA. Born in Humphrey, Nebraska, he was the 5th of 7 children born to parents, Charles & Pauline Pfeifer, on Dec. 17, 1917. He graduated from St. Francis High School in Humphrey in 1935. Charles served in World War II and was stationed in Tacoma, WA and Fort Ord, CA. Upon completion of military service, he remained in Monterey where he met Rose Melicia who became his wife of 64 years. Together they raised their 6 children, embracing Rose's Italian culture but he never forgot his Midwestern roots and values. Prior to the war, he worked in logistics and scheduling with Safeway Stores in Seatle, WA where he received training in the use of IBM computers. These skills later proved valuable at Fort Ord where Charles was assigned in troop deployment utilizing IBM technology. After settling in Monterey, he was employed by Coca Cola Bottling in sales, later as an insurance agent and many years with Mike's Seafood Restaurant on the Monterey wharf. Charles had a strong commitment to his family and faith with a love of the outdoors. He was a quiet, kind, generous man with a humble demeanor, a quick wit and an infectious smile. He was a member of San Carlos Cathedral for 65 years and served as a member of the Knights of Columbus, loved volunteering at the Dixieland Jazz Festival and numerous activities at San Carlos Church, especially bingo. Charles is survived by his wife, Rose; his children, Chuck (Harianne) Pfeifer of Scottsdale, Paula (Mark) Sindel of Salinas, Donna Pfeifer of Santa Rosa, Susan Pfeifer of Castro Valley, Mary (Al) Chambers of Austin, AnnMarie Pfeifer-Decker of Castro Valley; 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; his sister, Doris Boesch of Humphrey, and many nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center, Diabetic Youth Foundation, or favorite charity in the name of Charles.