Michael (Mike) Eugene Pfeffer passed away on January 24, 2022 at Great Falls Benefis Hospital with his loving wife by his side, along with Kayla (ICU nurse), and Chaplain Richard.
He was recently diagnosed with a rare lung cancer that took months to determine while specialists were “practicing medicine”. He fought hard, but the cancer was too advanced and consumed him.
Mike was born in Pickstown, South Dakota near the Fort Randall Dam to Francis (Fritz) Donatello (later adopted by Pfeffer) and Jean Wakefield. He had a great childhood and family life there. While attending high school, he also worked various jobs and made many lifetime friends along the way. He loved playing football in high school, and he and Holderby were the only two freshmen to play varsity. Guess that says how tough he really was.
He fell in love with his high school sweetheart and they dated for five years before marrying on April 13, 1974. They both attended Mitchell Vocational School for two years where he earned his accounting degree. They always wanted to move to beautiful Montana, so in May 1974 they moved to Helena and later built a beautiful log home in the mountains. Dave Raymer created their home and lots of great memories were made during the construction, with most days ending with beer and storytelling.
Mike’s first job in MT was the accountant at Big Sky Nursing Home. After five months, he decided he needed a career move and started working at St. Peter’s Community Hospital. Also at that time, Steve Mosby started working in the computer department and they became lifetime friends, where Mike gained the nickname “Pfef” which has stuck with him over the years. There are great memories during his employment at the hospital, with Vanderhoff and Fenske (among others) also part of those. After 30 years he had had enough hospital politics and retired on his 50th birthday. He then added a hobby of raising wild turkeys for ten years, along with the numerous projects on their mountain property. He was always busy cutting fire wood, re-building decks, moving rocks, and just keeping up property maintenance.
He was a true patriot, lived by the Constitution, had strong conservative values, and loved President Trump. He was saddened to see what has happened to our country under the current administration. Mike never missed a Memorial Day or Veterans Day service in East Helena, and stood proudly, grateful for our wonderful country.
Two of the most memorable trips they made were in 2016 to the Washington, DC memorials with their best friends, Rick and Connie Mohnk; and also to the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, NM in 2021. They mostly traveled throughout beautiful Montana, exploring all it has to offer.
Mike is survived by his wife, Arlis of 47 years (52 in love), brothers Dan (Cindy) Pfeffer and Sam (Jackie) Pfeffer of South Dakota. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Connie Jackson, brother-in-law Jim (Peggy) Sip, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, the Saddle Mountain family, and special Maine Coon cats, Smokey and Bandit.
A sincere thank you to Dr. Paustian and Dr. Gilbert for their excellent care over the years. They certainly had a special bond with Mike.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Family and friends who wish to contribute a memorial in Mike’s honor are invited to donate to a Veterans organization of their choice.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Joan Heberly says
So nice to get a visit with you both last Fall. Great memories
John Trovatten says
Worked with Mike over the years and found him always friendly and most capable. Always loved his “no b.s.” attitude. Prayers to Arlis, family and all those Mike touched.
Martie Moore says
I was blessed to work with Mike at St. Peter’s. He was one of the best I ever worked with in my career. I also loved when we had a moment to talk. He had a story that had me chuckling for the rest of the day.
Thank you Mike for being the best of the best. ❤️
Tim Makowski says
I had the pleasure of knowing miknowing Mike and working with him we would audit the hospital yearly And over the years establish a good working and social friendship he will be missed my condolences to the condolences to the family members and prayers and thoughts go with The family.
Tim Makowski says
I had the pleasure of knowing Mike and working with him we would audit the hospital yearly And over the years established a good working and social friendship he will be missed my condolences to the family and prayers and thoughts go with you.
jude bennett says
Among the Best, Friendliest, Most Helpful and Attentive neighbor & friend one could have. Fortunately, he was ours.
Forever smiling and a story to share, life was brighter because Mike was here.
Thank ~ you Arliss & Mike for all you have done making life so good up here on the mountain, this beautiful mountain.
Loving you,
Bob & Judi
Ed Thomas says
Arlis,
I’m so sorry that you (and lots of us) lost Mike. I never met a better guy.
Sharon and Gordon Eslick says
Arlis,
I was so saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. He was such a great individual, always with a joke or story to tell. He truly was a bright spot in this world. He was so passionate about what he believed in. Working with Mike at St. Peter’s and then hanging out with you guys and the other gang of friends we made from St. Peter’s was so much fun. I can’t imagine the loss you are feeling but I know that you have so many amazing memories of him. Hold on to them and they will give you strength. Love, hugs and prayers from the Eslick Family.
Connie Jackson says
It’s hard to picture your home without Mike in it. He loved it up there. It was his dream and I’m so glad he got to live it. Mike was smart, witty, deliberate, very meticulous about everything he did, esp putting silverware away or loading the dishwasher. He was always willing to take care of my Fix It chores when you visited. He was smart and kept up on the latest technology, which he shared and kept us all up to date on the latest good movies and TV shows to watch. Had many delicious meals that started on his retirement grill. I most appreciate him being my sister’s soulmate and treating her like a queen. Good memories of your visit last spring and meeting up with some of my friends. I cherish the big hug I got when you left and the I Love You. Thanks Mike.
Ed Mangis says
Sorry to hear this. We had several good times in the past. He was a fun guy.
Steve Mosby says
Mike was a special friend we did so much over the years he is the friend that always checked on you to make sure you where OK. We worked on the Cabin in the Mountain on weekends and after work during construction it was always a work hard and enjoy a beer at the end of the day. All the other wonderful memories and his special humor we loved our “Pfeff” …… I love ya Pfeff and my heart will always ache a little….. mose ……… Steve Mosby and Family
Dave Van Nice says
Great memories of working at the hospital with Mike, Vanderhoff, Fenske and Mosby. Oh, and of course Jackie Fisher who held the place together. Simpler times. Mike was the best bean counter I ever had the pleasure to observe. At month end, if St. Pete’s books were off by fifty cents of so, it was deemed the “Pfeffer Error Factor”. Mike and Arlis were always the entertainment factor for any social gathering. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to Mike’s family and friends.
Dennis McGowan says
Arlis,
Dennis and I were part of a great group of St Pete’s employees who were lucky enough to work with Mike. At the time that we all worked together we also got to know Dave, Fletch, Joe, Mosby and Connie. Could have not asked for a better group workers to be called friend’s. We are sorry for your loss. Mike was loved by many and will be missed.
Dennis & Linda McGowan
Jo Berg says
Arlis, many years ago as really young adults, we had some fun. You and Mike were so much fun. Condolences. He was a good guy.
Basil Cantrell says
Baz and Judy Cantrell.
We met Mike and Arlis when our grandchildren
would ask us to take them to see the “Turkey Man”
and his turkeys. we became friends, they invited us into their home for coffee, delicious food
and great conversation . We shall Mike’s jokes and the laughter we shared.
Memories to treasure.
Fletcher Mulvaney says
Pfeff was one of the good ones and truly one of a kind. He hired me to work at the Finance office @ St. Peter’s and was the best boss ever. Great to work with, always had my back and spiced things up from time to time. If only the department walls could talk. Pfeff and Arlis were so kind to Karen and myself. Such great memories! Thinking of you Arlis. Fletch and Karen
Bonnie Andrew says
Arlis,
So sorry to hear that we lost Mike! What a great guy he was! He will be greatly missed. Miss seeing both of you!! Take care.
Helen Amundson says
So sorry for your loss Arlis. Mike always livened up things for us employees that worked on the lower level at St. Pete’s. RIP Mike.
Helen Amundson
Mary Clark says
To Arlis and all my friends from the old St Pete’s. I always cherish knowing Mike and you all. Mike was always kind and helpful to me. He made me smile. I am so glad I got to talk to Mike and Arlis last year at Jim Lay’s funeral and share old times.
Laurie Dalin says
Arlis, I was shocked and saddened to hear about Mike’s death yesterday (where else, but at the dump!).
I also had a lot of fun working with Mike at St. Pete’s. He would always make time to help me out, especially as I muddled through budget planning. (My) Mike and I enjoyed running into the two of you, usually relaxing somewhere after running errands in town. This is a tough road you are embarking on. My heart and prayers are with you.
Laurie Dalin
Bill Vanderhoff says
My list of “Best Friends” is short, but Mike will always be at the top. So many adventures…the kind that become somewhat embellished over time, but always ending with “you had to be there!” Arlis, we’re truly sorry for your loss, and wishing you strength and peace during this hard time.
Arlis says
Thank you all, you will never know how much your memories and kind words mean to me, and I know Mike knows too. Love and friendship to you all❣️
Lisa B says
Dearest Arlis.
I was taken aback to see this notice. No one is quite prepared for those we know to depart. As so many others here mentioned, I also enjoyed working with Mike at St Petes. He had quite a sense of humor he brought with him every day. It was a fun connection after working with you at the college for those couple years. Such genuine good times. (I reached out to Char) It is obvious you and Mike are well loved. There is a lot of comfort in that to lean on. I hope it brings you great comfort knowing this brief moment here is definitely not the end game, and the authentic love between you carries on and strengthens your soul while you carry on a good life. ~peace and love in all things my dear. Lisa
Melba Berg says
Arils, you and Mike will always hold a very special place in my heart 🙏🏻 My deepest condolences ❤️
Carol Culham says
Arlis. I am so very sorry for your loss. Thanks for visiting me at the Eagles so I had the opportunity to get to know you both. I treasure it.
Colleen (Matya) Duncan says
Arlis, I am so sorry you have lost your life-long love. Mike was my 1st boyfriend in Pickstown when I was in 8th grade and he was in 7th grade. He was such a cool guy. His parents and mine were very good friends and we spent lots of good times together.. The family even came to Oregon to visit us after we moved from Pickstown. You are fortunate to have had so many wonderful loving years with him…. You will be in my thoughts.