Douglas James Pfeil

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Talk about breaking the mold, Douglas James Pfeil was one of a kind.  The quiet, witty, intellectual, fun, creative, curious, and maybe a little exasperating but interesting son of Jim and Ruth (nee Anderson) Pfeil was born 22 March 1947.  He died 02 December 2022 at the age of 75 years as a result of cancer.

Throughout his life he was many things: an entrepreneur, proud US Navy veteran, carpenter, re-enactor of history, rural mail carrier, explorer, and photographer.  Born in Owatonna, MN the Pfeil family moved to Armstrong, IA which remained his home except for the years he spent serving our country.  Starting with his roadside candy store, catering to travelers on Highway 15 and convoys of National Guard units, his garbage hauling business, and Teen A-Go-Go youth center, he followed the Pfeil tradition of small businessmen. 

He met a wild and talented girl from Swea City, Shirlie Smouse, and after graduating in 1965, he tried a few things – packing plant, junior college but decided on the US Navy. Doug and Shirlie married 01 September 1968 and eventually he was deployed to Vietnam, serving aboard the USS Hancock.  Aaron was born in 1970 and after discharge and returning to Armstrong, Amber joined the family in 1975. Doug and Shirlie enjoyed rendezvous life for recreation as well as creating another small business, Black Arrow Trading.  Eventually, Shirlie and Doug parted ways.

Doug enjoyed jazz music, fossils, scotch, dropping into a casino, drawing, carving, traveling to Alaska, his computer, antiques, old movies, baking cookies, and his faithful pets.  He served as Jim and Ruth’s chauffeur in the years, it was difficult for Jim, taking them to northern Minnesota and Bozeman, Montana many times for family get togethers. After Jim died, Doug had a weekly date with Ruth, taking her shopping and to lunch for as long as she was able. He also enjoyed hanging out with the Hooligans and Angry Beavers on weekends with some occasional karaoke.

In recent years, Covid and COPD limited Doug’s exploring and ability to see friends and family. At the end he was relieved and comforted by the care he received at the VA Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. He left us too quickly, but with a warped sense of humor he left his friends and family with great memories.  In fact, he regretted not packing the Pfeil family blow-up turkey when he realized he would be spending Thanksgiving in the hospital.  

Dougie is survived by children Aaron Pfeil (Michelle Doherty) of Anchorage, AK and Amber Pfeil (Karl Koster) of Grand Portage, MN; Grandchildren Ruthy Pfeil Edquid, Alice Koster, and Violet Koster; Great-grandchildren Mailey, Amelia, and Liam James Pfeil Edquid.  Sisters Janna Christensen (Bruce) and Heidi Pfeil both of Bozeman, MT.  Nieces, nephews, cousins, and supporting friends and neighbors Pastor Lyn, Carol and Frank, Mari, Joaney, Billie James...and Edgar, his dog.

A public memorial service is planned for Spring 2023. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral.com.