Norman Ray Pfeifer

Norman Ray Pfeifer passed away on January 5th, 2024, in Katy, TX from a ‘life well lived’. He was widower of his beloved wife of 53 years Bobette Ann (Buchanan) Pfeifer. Norman aka ‘Norm’ was born on September 18, 1930, in Harvey, Illinois to parents Norbert Lovis Pfeifer and Margarette R. Ritz. Norm grew up in Harvey and attended the Glenwood Boys School. During Secondary school he was a Camp Counselor at Summer Camps in Wisconsin, member of the National Honor Society, played baseball (one of his favorite passions) a flag bearer in parades and more. Norm went on to the University of Illinois exploring many tracks (lawyer, psychology, and even dental school) before finding his career interest. In the middle of this pursuit, Norm joined the Air Force for 4 yrs. and trained as an Emergency Radio Operator. He was stationed in Germany at Granstein AFB and enjoyed exploring more of his family German heritage and grew in his interests of German food and culture. On return from Service, Norm dedicated to Electrical Engineering graduating with a BS Degree in 1961. Most importantly during his studies, he met a ‘friendly, red haired’ girl (Bobette) at Montgomery Wards who was to capture his heart. They were married on Feb. 11th, 1961. Norm’s professional career consisted of projects in aerospace, defense industry, and alternate energy industries with esteemed employers of Douglas Aircraft, Boeing, LTV, Westinghouse, and GE. A highlight was working on the booster rockets of Apollo 11. Work took Norm and the family across the country including Santa Monica CA, Seattle WA , New Orleans LA, Sterling Heights MI, and Murrysville PA. Norm and Bobette had 2 children: their daughter Cindy born in Seattle and son, Craig born in New Orleans. Furthermore, they enjoyed their 2 Grandchildren Josey and Joseph, both born in Houston, Texas. Joseph joins Dad as a 918er, born on the same date; and they surely enjoy similar characteristics. Norm’s interests were always how he could support and accompany his dear wife on her art adventures and many hours of photography. He also was an avid lover of the game of baseball and continued to be a dedicated Chicago Cubs fan till his last days. There was not a crossword puzzle he would not do. Norm, like his grandson, has never found a sweet that they did not like to eat, with emphasis on cookies and ice-cream. After nearly 20 years of annual vacations to the sunny shores of Florida, Norm and Bobette fulfilled their dreams and retired into a home on Sanibel Island which they enjoyed for an additional 20 yrs. In Norm’s final years, he moved to Texas to enjoy time with his son’s family as well as provide whatever support he could on his daughter’s ‘battle against cancer’. He was the #1 fan and cheerleader for all the school and sports activities of his grandchildren especially basketball and golf. He adored and admired the resemblance of his wife and daughter in Josey his granddaughter. Of course, he had a kick in knowing Joseph, his grandson is a mirror image of him. Those who met Norm for the first time, found him easily friendly, instantly with something in common to talk about and with an element of charm. He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife. He is survived by his daughter (Cindy) Dr. Cynthia Ann Pfeifer-Hill, son (Tiger) Craig N. Pfeifer, daughter-in-law (Carolyne Cheruba) JP Pfeifer, granddaughter, and grandson; (Josey) Joseanna C. and Joseph C. Pfeifer. Also, Norm leaves many other friends and extended family in the mid-west and across the country. While Norm was honored with a private memorial on Jan 9th, 2024, at Dettling Funeral Home in Houston TX an additional service will be held in his honor and memory on Sanibel Island with long-time friends, neighbors, and church patrons and there also his ashes will join those of his wife. Norm attended New Hope Presbyterian Church in Katy, TX, St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Houston, TX, the Congregational Church of Sanibel, the First Presbyterian Church in Murrysville, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory if desired may be made to The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium and Sanibel Historical Museum & Village. To give online, visit the links below: Greatest Need / Restoring the Museum Post-Hurricane | Shell Museum and Educational Foundation, Inc. (Powered by Donorbox) shellmuseumform.pdf (shellmuseum.org) (Mail in form) Donate | Sanibel Historical Museum (sanibelmuseum.org) Friends are invited to send condolences via the on-line guest book which can be found below. The Family appreciates all your love and support.

Norman Ray Pfeifer

September 18, 1930 - January 5, 2024