Vernon J. Pfeifer

Vernon J. Pfiefer, 86, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center, one day after his 86th birthday.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Father Mitchell McLaughlin officiating.

A luncheon will follow Mass in the parish hall.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, with a liturgical wake beginning at 7:00 p.m. Visitation continues one hour prior to the service.

Burial will be at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Zeeland, ND, at a later date.

Vernon James Pfeifer was born in Zeeland, ND, to Henry and Margaret (Braun) feifer on February 21, 1940. He was raised in Zeeland and graduated from high school in 1958. He was an excellent athlete and earned many awards for his play in baseball, basketball, and football. He attended the North Dakota State Normal and Industrial School in Ellendale, ND, and played football and baseball, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education. He later earned a master's degree from Northern State College in Aberdeen, SD.

Vernon married his high school sweetheart, Kathleen (Jund) Pfeifer, on December 26, 1961, in Zeeland. They shared just shy of 62 years together as husband and wife.

Vernon served as an educator and athletic coach for 30 years. His first teaching job was in Scobey, MT, and after a year in Montana, he moved to Herreid, SD, where he began his coaching career. The highlight of his coaching career happened in 1967, when he led the undersized Herreid Yellowjackets to a runner-up finish in the South Dakota state high school basketball class "B" tournament.

In 1968, Vernon left Herreid for a teaching and coaching position in Redfield, SD. In 1969, he moved his family to Aberdeen, where he would hold various teaching and coaching roles at Aberdeen Central High School and Simmons Middle School. Vernon coached basketball, football, golf, and track for over 25 years. In addition to coaching, Vernon officiated hundreds of football and basketball games around South Dakota.

Vernon and Kathleen spent over 50 years of their lives together in Aberdeen. Vernon was a sports enthusiast and enjoyed watching sports. He had a passion for baseball and loved the New York Yankees and Mickey Mantle. He also loved the game of golf and won several local golf tournaments, including the Dakota Open and the C.C. Lee Championship.

Vernon was happiest and most at peace when he was spending time with his family. Vernon is survived by his three children: Karla Pfeifer of Aberdeen, Patrick (Joyce) Pfeifer of Watertown, SD, and Terry (Jennifer) Pfeifer of Puyallup, WA; four grandchildren: Jonathan (Jessica) Pfeifer, Megan (Christopher) Gullickson, Abby Pfeifer, and Preston Pfeifer; and two great-grandchildren, Kennedy and Greyson Pfeifer.

Vernon was preceded in death by his wife and parents.

Vernon is in his eternal home with Our Holy Father, rejoicing with family and friends in Heaven.