In Memory
Robert Allen Pfaff
Jun. 18, 1933 - May 9, 2014
Robert A. "Bob" Pfaff, 80, of Eagle Lake, Michigan, formerly of Elkhart, died at 1:35 p.m. Friday, May 9, 2014 overlooking the lake while surrounded by his family.
Bob was born June 18, 1933 in South Bend, Indiana to John W. and Odessa (Walker) Pfaff. He was preceded in death by his older brother, John "Jack" Pfaff.
He graduated from John Adams High School in 1951 and Washington and Lee University in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. He joined the United States Army in 1956 and served as a Small Unit Infantry Commander; a Ranger with the 101 Airborne; 3rd Training Regiment at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and as a Military Police Officer at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was Honorably Discharged on August 29, 1958 with the rank of First Lieutenant.
While stationed at Fort Jackson, he met Elizabeth "Betty" Anne Moore, who was a student at the University of South Carolina. They were married on August 31, 1957 at Fort Bragg. She survives along with four children, L. Benjamin Pfaff, Elise Pfaff both of Elkhart, Tracy (Rex) McKay of Eagle Lake, Michigan, Carol (Mike) Harasick of Cassopolis, Michigan; five grandchildren, Mason Harasick, Lauren (Jeff) Bontrager, PFC., Cole B. Pfaff, Natalie McKay, Cassidy Harasick; and four great-grandchildren.
Upon his discharge from the Army, he attended the University of Michigan Law School, Ann Arbor, Michigan and graduated in 1961. He taught his children the Michigan fight song at an early age.
Bob's legal career began in 1961 with the South Bend law firm of Oare, Thornburg, McGill & Deahl, now known as Barnes and Thornburg. In 1972 he ventured out on his own until 1981 when he became a partner in the firm of Pfaff and Brotherson. In 1989 the firm was renamed Chester, Pfaff and Brotherson. He was a member of the Indiana Supreme Court Character and Fitness Committee and the Board of Law Examiners. He retired March 31, 2002. Notwithstanding his retirement, he remained active in the Eagle Lake Association and other matters relating to maintaining and improving the condition of the lake.
Bob and his brother Jack developed their sailing skills on Eagle Lake and in their late teens won many regional, state and national sailing regattas. He loved Eagle Lake and shared a lot of moments with his fishing buddies whether on the lake or playing Cribbage. Bob and his buddies annually donated their catch to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church for their yearly fish fries.
He was a life member of the Elks #425 Christiana Creek, Four Lakes Country Club and Rotary Club, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow. Bob was a member of the Board of Directors of Youth for Christ, YM/YWCA, and the Salvation Army, where he received the "Others" award. He was also a contributing sponsor to Ducks Unlimited. He enjoyed playing golf and hunting. He was an avid fisherman whose boat was always the first one in and the last one out.
Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home.
03/24/2021 DEC
|