Vernon J. Pfeifer

Vernon J. Pfeifer, 86, of Aberdeen, South Dakota, passed away on February 22, 2026, at Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center, one day after his 86th birthday. Born in Zeeland, North Dakota, on February 21, 1940, to Henry and Margaret (Braun) Pfeifer, Vernon grew up in the small community where he excelled as an athlete in baseball, basketball, and football. He graduated from high school in 1958, attended the North Dakota State Normal and Industrial School in Ellendale, and later earned a Master’s Degree from Northern State College in Aberdeen.

Vernon married his high school sweetheart, Kathleen (Jund) Pfeifer, on December 26, 1961, in Zeeland. Together they shared nearly 62 years of marriage. He dedicated more than 30 years to education and coaching, beginning in Scobey, Montana, before moving to Herreid, South Dakota, where he led the undersized Herreid Yellowjackets to a runner-up finish in the 1967 South Dakota state high school basketball Class B tournament. In 1969, he and his family settled in Aberdeen, where Vernon taught and coached basketball, football, golf, and track at Aberdeen Central High School and Simmons Middle School. He also officiated hundreds of football and basketball games across South Dakota.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Vernon held a special passion for baseball, particularly the New York Yankees and Mickey Mantle. He was an accomplished golfer who won several local tournaments, including the Dakota Open and the C.C. Lee Championship. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family, finding his greatest joy and peace in their company.

Vernon is survived by his children, Karla Pfeifer of Aberdeen, Patrick (Joyce) Pfeifer of Watertown, South Dakota, and Terry (Jennifer) Pfeifer of Puyallup, Washington; four grandchildren, Jonathan (Jessica) Pfeifer, Megan (Christopher) Gullickson, Abby Pfeifer, and Preston Pfeifer; and two great-grandchildren, Kennedy and Grayson Pfeifer. He was preceded in death by his wife Kathleen and his parents. He now rests in his eternal home with Our Holy Father, reunited with loved ones in Heaven. Burial will take place at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Zeeland, North Dakota, at a later date alongside Kathleen.