Edward William Klett Pfeifer

Edward William Klett Pfeifer

Biography

1945-2024

Loving Wife – Tsuyako Sakihara Pfeifer

1944-2012

Loving Daughter – Rebecah Anne Washburn (Pfeifer)

1978-2017

Ed was always talking about his time in Vietnam.  Before deploying to Vietnam he was part of the 7th SFG as a communications NCO and Samuel Smith was his OIC in the commo section.  Upon processing into Vietnam,  he was resigned to the 173rd Airborne. As were many Special Forces NCOs because of their leadership and the lack of that within the 173rd.  He kinda chuckled as he stated that the Special Forces group commander didn't have that much weight of where their soldiers went in Vietnam as did the Combant Commanding General had. He has several tours of combat with the 173rd and it all ended with an north Vietnamese amush that took out his squad except for him.  He was medevac'd out and return to the states with a lower right leg ampution.  Ed wished to continue serving in the Army, but against his will was medically retired. During his time in the special forces he accumulated many medals including three purple hearts and two bronze stars for meritorious service in the face of fire. 

He met his wife in Okinawa at a pizza place in 1966. They married shortly after (despite family opposition that he was only a poor soldier) and stayed together until her death in 2012. They had two children. One boy and one girl and now have 9 grandchildren. 

After the Army he worked several jobs. He served as a dispatcher for the Wisconsin Highway Patrol. Deputy director for disaster management in Hot springs South Dakota.  He was the Vice President of Special Forces Association Chapter 73 in Great Lakes from 2006-2008.

Ed was also an avid HAM radio operator most of his life. There is a map that he kept track of and has contacted almost every country in the world on the radio. He was also an avid biker. He started strapping his son to the back of his motorcycle when he was a little over 3 years old and took him everywhere. He still was riding up until only a short time ago. 

He assisted in his wife's business as a massage therapist.  After his wife's passing, he relocated to live with his daughter in Crestview FL in 2016.

Ed loved his family and enjoyed spending time outdoors with them boating, fishing, hunting, shooting. I personally have been shooting at the Chapter VII team house with him.  He is an expert shot with any weapon you put in his hands. He really enjoyed one handed pistol shooting, I don't recall him ever missing a shot.

His family loves and will miss him dearly. His wit and humor always made everyone smile. The world is a smaller place after the passing of such a great man.

Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview. Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com

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