Michael Martin Pfeifle

Michael Martin Pfeifle, loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and Worlds Best Papa, entered the arms of Jesus on August 13, 2022. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 39 years, Marlene Pfeifle, as well as his children and their spouses; Pamela (Martin) Dawson, Kimo (Keisha) Pfeifle, Maggie aka his favorite (Micah) Mitchell, David Pfeifle, and his eight grandchildren: Shane and Sam Dawson, Chella and Christiana Pfeifle, and Eli, Mollie, Max, and Elizabeth Mitchell. Mike was born on March 4, 1944, in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., to Catherine Belle and Paul Frederick Pfeifle. After Catherine’s death, Paul married Ruth Pfeifle, and she raised Mike as her own. Mike was an adored brother and friend to his siblings. He is survived by Linda Pfeifle (Al Amori), Joe Pfeifle, Kristi Redd (Randall Ray), and Margaret Pfeifle (Brad Mellor). Mike was predeceased by his parents and brother, Walter Johnson III, aka Pete. Mike attended Rockford College, where he played on the soccer team as the goal-keeper. He transferred to Catholic University and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. He later earned his MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Mike started his career working for the U.S. Navy as a Civil Engineer. He left the Navy to start a career in the oil industry, where he worked for over 50 years. Mike had a strong work ethic, and he continued contributing to and working in the industry until his death. Mike started his career in the oil industry at ExxonMobil. He left Exxon to join Tenneco Oil Company as the VP of Marketing, and he started their first trading group. He was also the Vice President of Saber Energy, which was acquired by Valero, and Mike became a Vice President at Valero after the acquisition. Mike left Valero to become President of Trifinery Petroleum Services, and he later continued his career as an independent energy broker. Mike was involved in the industry as a contributor and volunteer, and he served as a director for the National Petroleum Refinery Association (NPRA). When Mike was not working or spending time with (spoiling) his family, he could be found playing tennis. He was a member of the Houston Racquet Club (HRC) for over 40 years, and he was the Vice President of their Board of Directors for three years. He played on multiple USTA Men’s League teams, even winning the state championship one year. After he wound down his competitive tennis career, Mike continued playing and enjoying tennis with friends and family. Mike and Marlene traveled Internationally (Antigua and Switzerland) most years to play tennis with world renowned tennis professionals. Mike loved his family, and he loved to travel. He traveled the world with Marlene. They visited Australia, Italy, France, Germany, Croatia, Czechoslovakia, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, Mexico, Antigua, Bermuda, and Venezuela. He loved to tell the story of how he designed and bought his BMW in Munich, Germany. Mike also planned trips (with detailed agendas accounting for every minute of every day) and travelled frequently with his children and grandchildren. Excursions with grandchildren included Napa Valley, Washingtons D.C., fishing in Canada, Cape Cod, Disney World, lots of snow skiing in Colorado and New Mexico, New Years in Paris, and many more. When he wasn’t travelling, Mike loved to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events, dance recitals, and gymnastics meets. He truly was the world’s best Papa. Thank you to Mike’s friends and family for your prayers and well wishes during this difficult time. We are heartbroken but find comfort in the promise of life eternal with our Lord and Savior. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. https://secure.nationalmssociety.org/site/Donation. A celebration of life will take place at the Houston Racquet Club, Sunday, August 28, 2022 at 2:00 PM. This will truly be a celebration and wear whatever makes you feel happy. Please bring a memory to share and toast to Mike.

Michael Martin Pfeifle

March 4, 1944 - August 13, 2022