Pfeiffer, Dr. Donald W.

Dr. Donald W. Pfeiffer, 89, of McGregor, passed away Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, at the Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Donald Wayne Pfeiffer was born Aug. 7, 1923, in Dubuque, Iowa, to George and Gertrude (Lange) Pfeiffer. He graduated from Loras Academy and attended Loras College. After a short time in the U.S. Army, Don entered the University of Iowa College of Medicine, graduating in 1947. During his senior year of medical school, Don was united in marriage with Marlys Gratton on June 25, 1946, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dubuque. To this union seven children were born. He interned in Englewood, N.J., and moved to McGregor in 1948, opening an office in the McGregor Hospital. After practicing five years in McGregor, he was recalled into service during the Korean War. He was trained as a flight surgeon in Pensacola, Fla. Upon completion of his training, he and his family were stationed on Midway Island. Being the only doctor on the island, he cared for all Navy personnel and their families, and wounded troops coming in on ships and planes from Korea, en route to Hawaii.

In 1957, Dr. Pfeiffer and his family returned to McGregor where he resumed his practice. When the McGregor Hospital closed, Dr. Pfeiffer joined the staff of the Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital and General Hospital. He served on numerous hospital committees and was the Clayton County coroner. He was a physician for the railroad and a flight examiner. He retired in June of 1990.

He was active in many organizations over the years including the city council, adviser for the Mar-Mac Rescue Squad and a member the American Legion. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, playing cards and wintering in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Chicago Cubs.

Dr. Pfeiffer is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Marlys; six children, Rick (Laura) Pfeiffer of Columbia, Mo., Kirk (Barb) Pfeiffer of Sterling, Ill., Kymm (Lee) Hinkel of Waukon, Mark Pfeiffer of Terre Haute, Ind., Kent (Penny) Pfeiffer of Marquette, and Kris (Scott) Dickey of Parker, Colo.; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; brothers, Tom (Charlotte) Pfeiffer and Terry (Bonnie) Pfeiffer; sister, Lois Neyens; and brother-in-law Charles Cole, all of Dubuque; and sister, Janice Sieverding of Bellevue.

Dr. Pfeiffer was preceded in death by his daughter, Lynn Jo; his parents; and a sister, Jean Cole.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, at the Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in McGregor, and one hour before Mass time Friday at the church. There will be a 7:30 p.m. parish Scripture service Thursday at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Mary Catholic Church in McGregor. The Rev. Greg Bahl will be the celebrant. Inurnment will be held at the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the McGregor Public Library or St. Mary Catholic Church.

Condolences may be left with: .

Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in McGregor, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.

Published Sept. 19, 2012 in The Gazette