Gene Carl “Craz” Pfeifer, 88
Gene Carl “Craz” Pfeifer, formerly of Bellville, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 in the Good Shepherd Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Ashland.
He was born on March 31, 1936 in Bucyrus, the son of the late Earl and Irma (Dean) Pfeifer.
Gene attended Bucyrus High School where he enjoyed playing the trumpet and singing in the choir before he served in the United States Navy. During the Korean War he was stationed on board the USS Corral Sea, where he was proudly known as “Mean Gene the Fighting Machine”. Gene also provided the service of Shore Duty before he was honorable discharged from his service.
He retired after more than 34 years from the General Motors Company on March 1, 1993; and worked at Shelby Country Club mowing after retirement.
Gene married the former Mary Elizabeth Phillips on July 17, 1983 who preceded him in death on November 28, 2021.
Throughout his life, he enjoyed playing darts and was a member of the Lexington Elks Lodge 2554, VFW Post 5101, along with the Moose and Mason Lodge in Lexington.
Gene was an avid Ohio State Football fan, supporting his OSU shirt and hat on Saturday’s. He also loved watching aircraft shows, Mash, Golden Girls, Andy Griffith, The Voice, American Idol, and The Masked Singer. Gene also enjoyed singing along to music. His life could not be complete without mention of his canine companions, his cocker spaniel, Oreo and his scotty, Pepper.
He is survived by two sons, Reggie (Brenda) Pfeifer of Mansfield, Ohio and Rex Pfeifer of San Diego, California; two daughters, Loueva (Keith Miller) Hollister of Hope Mills, North Carolina and Peggie Long of Galion, Ohio; grandchildren, Justin Pfeifer, Brandi (Brandon) Parrigan, Tiffany Kisor (Tabetha), Brad Hollister, Megan Hollister, Brianna Long and Erica Long; eleven great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and wife, Gene is preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Mary K. Fetter Pfeifer Kepford, one brother, Earl D. (Patricia) Pfeifer, one granddaughter, Brandy Lee Marchat.
A private family service will be held in memory of Gene. Interment will be in the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio.
The family would like to thank the Good Shepherd Skilled Nursing Center for their excellent care of Gene over the last several years and his nurse, Brittany from Southern Care Hospice in his final days.
Online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com