Obituary of Donald Pfister

It is with great sadness to share the passing of our beloved Father, Donald (Don) Lester Pfister. Dad peacefully passed on May 13, 2025 at UI Medical Center downtown campus, surrounded by his loving family. Don was 90 years old.

A Memorial service will be held at 11 am, Thursday, May 29, 2025 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Iowa City, with a time of visitation beginning at 9 am.  Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery. 

Don was the son of Lester and Alma Pfister born on March 6, 1935. Raised in Rural Decorah, Iowa, he graduated from Decorah high school in 1953, served in the Army Reserves from 1954-1956. He completed his basic training in Fort Chaffee, Arkansas and was then stationed in Panama.

Don was a charter member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Iowa City. Helping to build it and renovating it through the years. He was employed by Procter and Gamble for 35 years, spending most of his time in the warehouse. In retirement he enjoyed his camper by traveling through the United States. He was also a gifted wood worker, enjoying building intricate models with moving parts, furniture and complete kitchens for family and half of his neighborhood.

Don is survived by his children: Kevin (Dana) Pfister, Lorie Stransky, Mike (Jen) Pfister; step-children Reggie (Sue) Swartzendruber, Vicki (Jerry) Wear, Randy (Joy) Swartzendruber, Kevin (Candas)) Swartzendruber and Melanie Justice; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; sister, Muriel (Bob) Schini; brother, Robert Pfister. 

Proceeded in death by wife Nadine; sister-in-law, Marietta (Robert) Pfister; step-son, Darin Swartzendruber.

The Family would like to thank the Staff and Residents of Keystone North Liberty for making Dad's last years enjoyable playing cards games, corn hole, working on creating a train room and nightly meals with the 5:45 group. We would also like to thank the Doctor and Nurses at UI Medical Center downtown campus (old Mercy) for their care and compassion during Dad's final hours.