Frederick Max Pfiester

GLADSTONE — Frederick Max Pfiester, 87, of Gladstone, passed away on November 7, 2024, at Christian Park Village in Escanaba, on his loving wife Barbara’s birthday. He had been at Christian Park Village for a couple of days to recover from a recent illness before his passing.

Fred was born on April 16, 1937, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, to the late Frederick Dale Pfiester and Maxine Ruth Pfiester. Fred moved to Gladstone, with his family in 1949, where he would go on to graduate from Gladstone High School in 1956. He proudly served in the Army National Guard for several years. Fred married Barbara Joanne Tardiff on June 20, 1959, beginning a marriage that would last over 65 years. Barbara, who graduated from Holy Name High School, was the love of Fred’s life, and together they created a beautiful family and many lasting memories.

While Fred spent much of his career working as a maintenance roll grinder at Mead Paper Company, his true passion was tractor maintenance, which began during his childhood on the family farm and continued as he worked at Farmer’s Supply in Escanaba. Fred’s love for mechanics and machinery stayed with him throughout his life, along with his deep appreciation for the outdoors.

Fred was a man of strong character who taught his children the value of hard work, and instilled in them the principles of responsibility and accountability as keys to success in life. He believed that these qualities, along with a strong sense of integrity, were the foundation for building a fulfilling and meaningful life.

In his early retirement, Fred and his wife, Barbara Joanne Pfiester (Tardiff), spent many years traveling the country in their motor home, often wintering in Gulf Shores, Alabama, where they created many cherished memories together. Fred was also an avid hunter and outdoorsman, and he loved spending time at their property in Stonington, where he maintained an apple orchard and reveled in the natural beauty of the Hiawatha National Forest.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Maxine Pfiester; his brother, Darwin Pfiester; and his grandson, Daniel Pfiester. He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Joanne Pfiester; his brothers, Gary and Alan Pfiester, and his children, Dean (Julie) Pfiester of Cornell, Mich., Teresa (Phil) Coppins of Martinsville, Va., Martin (Tammy) Pfiester of Quinnesec, Mich., Andrew (Wendy) Pfiester of Fairfax, Va., Steve Pfiester of Gladstone, Mich., and Mary (Todd) Popelka of Escanaba, Mich. Fred also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many friends who will remember him fondly.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. at the funeral home. A luncheon will follow at the Gladstone American Legion Hall. Frederick will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.