Maurice Erwin Pifer, of Eureka, Illinois, passed away peacefully on April 23. He was 91 years old.
Maurice was the son of Elizabeth and Erwin Pifer of Eureka. He graduated from Eureka Township High School in 1943 and enlisted in the Navy. He served as sonar man third class on the U.S.S. Wickes during WWII. After the war, he attended Purdue University and Eureka College, where he met his wife Ruth. They married in 1949 and had three children: William Maurice, Richard Parks, and Lynn Ann. They ran the Pifer Hardware Store on Main Street in Eureka for several years. Maurice completed his B.A. from Eureka College in 1967, and taught math and social studies in Congerville, then social studies at Eureka Middle School for 22 years. He was fondly known by his students as Pokey Pifer.
Maurice is preceded in death by his wife Ruth and son William. He married his second wife, Barbara in 2011. He is survived by his second wife, Barbara Tracy-Pifer; his children, Richard Parks Pifer and Lynn (John) Pifer; his stepchildren, Michael (Becky) Tracy, Laurel Kutash, Barbara (Lyndell) Leatherman, Jeanine (Walter) Morse, Janice Dixon, Mary (Stephen) Chew; three grandchildren; fourteen step-grandchildren; 24 step-great-grandchildren; and one step-great-great-grandchild.
A memorial visitation will be held from 12:30-3:30 at the Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in Eureka on May 20, 2017. A time of sharing will be at 1:00 pm followed by a Celebration of Life Service. Maurice was a member of the Eureka Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Eureka Public Library, or the Alzheimer's Association.
Memorial Visitation
MAY
20.
12:30 PM - 3:30 PM (CDT)
Argo-Ruestman-Harris Eureka
508 South Main Street
Eureka, IL 61530-1316
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