Rudy Pfeiffer passed away peacefully in his sleep early in the morning on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the age of 91 years. He is survived by his four children, Harold (Linda), Michael (Kimberley), Monica Biensch (Bill), Andrew; and ten grandchildren: Matthew, Timothy (Tricia), Jonathan, Jeremy, Jacob, Amy Maxwell (Evan), Ethan Biensch (Kristina), Cynthia Drake (Kaibree), Emily (Chance Coldwell), and Anna; and nine great-grandchildren: Luke, Lorelei, Josie, Jayla, Araya, Everett, Clark, Quinn, and Cora. Rudy was recently predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Wanda (nee Zittlau), in November of 2022, and Andrew’s spouse, Tanis (nee Woloshchuk) Baer, in January of 2024.
Born and raised in Zeulenroda, Thuringia, Germany, Rudy lived through WWII and afterwards, by the age of 14, started training to become a carpenter. At the age of 18, he defected from East Germany and made his way to Canada four months later. He had been sponsored by an aunt and uncle whom he had never met, who farmed near St. Walburg, Saskatchewan. In the beginning he worked on the farm but in 1953, was hired by Bird Construction, where he worked his entire 44-year career.
In early 1960, in Edmonton, Rudy met Wanda, and they were married on November 26 that same year. Within the span of eight years, they had completed their family with four children. In the early ’70s, due to a work transfer, the family moved from Edmonton to Sarnia, and later to Mississauga, Ontario. By 1974, the Pfeiffers were back in Alberta, but this time in Calgary.
Occasionally through the years, Rudy went back to visit Germany for school reunions and family visits, his last trip being in late December 2007 through January 2008 to attend both his sisters’ funerals.
He tried many things in his new adopted country. Early on, he hunted and fished. He even participated in a curling bonspiel. He loved to explore and took the family on a memorable road trip through the States to Florida. Many family memories included times spent outdoors in the mountains, camping, hiking, and skiing. His favorite drive through the Rocky Mountains was the Highwood Pass, where many camping trips and hikes took place. Rudy’s interests were varied and included cooking and gardening. In retirement, he expanded his gardening hobby by building a greenhouse and incorporating a rose garden. Over the years, he and Wanda enjoyed travelling and went to places like Barbados, Costa Rica, Cuba, and Israel, but their favourite was Hawaii.
A Funeral Service will be held for Rudolf at South Calgary Funeral Centre on Monday, July 29th at 10:30 am. You can watch via livestream at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcyMTg2MjkzMDMyMDM5OSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
The family would like to thank Providence Care Center for their care of Rudy in his last few months of life. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Rudy’s memory to Father Lacombe Care Foundation. www.flccfoundation.ca
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