Passed away peacefully Friday, January 6, 2012, at the age of 87. Preceded in death by his son Lester Jr. Beloved husband of Eileen for 66 years. Loving dad of Sharon (Tom) Tradewell, Paul Pfeffer and Mary Pfeffer. Proud grandpa of Tom (Chris) Tradewell Jr., Gary (Gail) Tradewell, Sgt. Clint Holzman, Sara Pfeffer, Brandon Pfeffer, and 5 great-grandchildren.Les was a lifetime member of VFW Gross Yaksh #6498 and a long time member of the VFW drill team and state wide Honor Guard. Les was a proud Marine that served his country in WWII.A special thank you for the special care Les and Eileen received from Luther Manor Hospice and RCAC Group.Memorials to Luther Manor or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.Gathering at Luther Manor Faith and Education Building 4545 North 92nd Street. Please use North entrance. Friday, January 13, 2:00-3:00 PM. Memorial Service at 3:00 PM. VFW Ritual to follow.Life Story of Les PfefferLes was born November 4, 1924 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to John and Marie Pfeffer. He attended North Division High School. Les enjoyed dancing with his wife. His favorite music was polkas or any kind of German music. Much of his life was involved with the VFW and the many parades and events that the drill team participated in.Les was raised Lutheran, but attended Catholic Church since the 1960s with his wife, most recently attending mass at St. Margaret Mary.Les joined the Marine Corp. after graduating high school, serving in WWII. Les was a Marine in his heart, his entire life, holding loyalty to the corp and its' beliefs. Les was a lifetime member of VFW Post 6498 Gross Yaksh and long time member of the VFW drill team and State Honor Guard.Les was a 65 year veteran of WWII. His skills as a tool and die maker gave him strong skills as an all around handyman, building his first home which still stands on Villard Avenue and continuing to be handy around the house and apartment. Les was famous for recycling and using discarded items to build something else.Les married Eileen Rose (Krenz) Pfeffer on July 27, 1945, being married 66 years. His children include: Sharon (Tom) Tradewell of Sussex, Wisconsin, Paul Pfeffer of Lyndon Station, Wisconsin, and Mary Pfeffer of Denison, Texas. His grandchildren include: Tom (Chris) Tradewell of Hartford, Wisconsin, Gary (Gail) Tradewell of West Bend, Wisconsin, Sgt. Clint Holzman JBLM of Dupont, Washington, Sara Pfeffer of Buenos Aires, South America, and Brandon Pfeffer of Hartford, Wisconsin. Les also has 3 great-grandsons and 2 great-granddaughters. Les was predeceased by his parents, brother and son, Lester F. Pfeffer, Jr.Being a member of the VFW was such a large part of Les' life, so much thanks to the people who remained friends over so many years. Luthor Manor was not only Les' last employer, but the staff and facility remained close to Les after he retired, seeking consulting advice from him on many projects and new construction. Fighting this battle with cancer for over 8 years, Les said daily, "I'm taking it one day at a time."Les was a loving husband, father and grandfather and always a very proud American.
