Nick W. Pfeifer

Nicodemus W. Pfeifer was born December 7, 1919, in Schoenchen, Kansas, to Agatha and Jacob Pfeifer. Nick, eighth of 11 brothers and sisters—Marcus, William, Anna Pfeifer Schmoyer, Tony, Al, Leo, Frank, Amelia Pfeifer Jewell, Pete, and Theodore. He was preceded in death by his parents, all of his brothers and sisters, and both wives.

Nick was one of the youngest men to serve in the Conservation Civilian Corp (CCC) from July 1, 1937, in Idaho Springs, Colorado, and the CCC Forestry Service in Manitou Springs until March 31, 1940. It was there he learned skills in woodworking and truck driving. He volunteered for the Army on March 3, 1941, and was honorably discharged on September 9, 1945, from the 2nd Armored Division ("Hell on Wheels"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2nd_Armored_Division_(United_States) - cite_note-SUD-0). He served in North Africa, Sicily, England, the invasion of Normandy, France and the Rhineland. He drove the Company Commanders during his tour of duty in Europe. He was proud to say he drove for General Patton for a time.

Upon returning to the United States after the war, he married Beulah Ryan in Manitou Springs, Colorado, on November 17, 1945. They moved to Denver and Nick bought a truck and started his own business contracting with other businesses to haul materials. During this time he built his own house in Commerce City, sold it, and built a second house. He supervised construction of a third home and remodeled several others. Later he enjoyed time in his workshop and became skilled at scrollwork and building furniture.

To this marriage, one daughter was born, Dolores Pfeifer Harr. After a few years of being his own boss, he sold his truck and drove truck for Western Paving Construction. By the time he retired, he was driving a tanker truck from Denver to Cheyenne twice a day hauling oil. In early 1979, Beulah passed away from cancer. Nick married Lenore Kreuger in November 1979. In 1984, Nick survived a bout with colon and prostate cancer. They enjoyed many years together before Lenore died suddenly on November 26, 1999. Nick's health continued to deteriorate until in 2005 he moved in with daughter, Dolores, and son-in-law, Carroll Harr. He was a member of St. Mark's Catholic Church.

His health continued to fail and in March 2012 he moved to the Sunrise of Westminster Assisted Living facility. On September 29, he passed away peacefully. He is survived by his daughter Dolores and her husband, Carroll Harr. He has two grandchildren, Julia Gwaltney (Mark) and James Harr (Lana) both of Denver. He has four great-grandchildren: Sophia, Adelaide, Carver, and Duncan.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Rocky Mountain Alzheimer's Association, 455 Sherman Street, Denver, CO 80203. (303) 813-1669