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PAUL PFAHLER Obituary
LAKELAND - Paul E. Pfahler of Lakeland, passed away at home on Monday, May 20, 2013, due to natural causes.
Paul was born to Rita O'Brien and John Lloyd Pfahler in Mansfield, Ohio. He graduated from Mansfield Senior High School. After graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corps in 1944 and fought in the South Pacific during the invasion of Okinawa and several other South Pacific islands in World War II.
He married Dorothy Ziegler in June 12, 1948. He graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1952 with a B.S. in Education. Paul was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity.
Paul coached football for three years in Elkton, Michigan with a record of 21 wins and one loss. He belonged to the Masonic Lodge in Elkton, Michigan.
Paul and Dorothy then moved to Boyne City, Michigan. Paul was a dedicated football coach and high school teacher for thirty years, and Dorothy worked faithfully by his side as an elementary teacher during the same time.
Paul has coached several State Championship football teams, and was elected into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame.
After retiring from teaching, Paul and Dorothy worked in Yellowstone National Park for many years. Paul was a back country ranger. After the big fire of 1988 in Yellowstone National Park, he had open heart surgery and could not go back to work at that altitude. He then took up painting as a hobby and was a very good painter.
Paul loved fly fishing and has fished from Alaska to Newfoundland. He loved golf and continued painting pictures in oils as a hobby.
They moved to Cypress Lakes Retirement Park in 1990. He joined the Big Cypress Men's Golf League and served one year as the League's president. He and Dorothy belong to the Pioneer Club at Cypress Lakes because of their charter membership in the park.
He loved everyone he met, often entertained friends in his home, and greatly enjoyed going on cruises.
He is survived by his wife of sixty five years, Dorothy Pfahler, sisters Janice Creps of Sabina, Ohio, Elaine Hall of Fruitland, Florida, and Helen Bollinger of Tiffin, Ohio, and sisters-in-law, Marge Kinsley and Ann Payton, his aunt, Helen Cabral, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Rita O'Brien; his father, John Lloyd Pfahler; his stepmother, Mary Davidson Pfahler; three brothers, David, John, and James Pfahler; and five sisters, Patricia Whatman, Mary Strong, Margaret Hudnell, Maxine Smith, and Joanne MeKee.
Memorial Services will be at the Cypress Lakes Park on Friday, May 24, 2013 at 12:30 pm with burial in the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell FL, at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for PAUL PFAHLER
Jack Sheaffer
November 3, 2013
He touched our lives in good way.
July 1, 2013
We had a wonderful marriage with lots of traveling, fishing, cruises, teaching, working in Yellow Stone Park. We had it all. Lots of Friends and great students and football players for Coach Pfahler. He loved everyone. Dorothy
Pat Crozier-Tanis
May 31, 2013
Wonderful man!!! Everybody loved him & he was a man that was looked up to & respected.
BCHS 1966 Class
Sally Fairchild Drost
May 26, 2013
Peace...
Ed Anderson (BCHS Class of '75)
May 25, 2013
In his many years of teaching he helped shape the character of hundreds if not thousands of young men and women - what a legacy. Having Mr. Pfahler as my teacher was a tremendous blessing and privilege. He inspired respect as a teacher and a coach, but at the same time was one of the kindest most caring men I have ever known. My deepest condolences for your loss Mrs. Pfahler.
Gene Goin
May 25, 2013
Paul was a friend in Mans. At West Fifth grade school. He told me to join the Episcopal Church choir because they paid 6.00 dollars a year & I did. I liked him a lot. He was no sour apple.
D...
May 25, 2013
"What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we loved deeply becomes part of us".... Helen Keller.........
Tom & Carol Zink
May 24, 2013
Our prayers are with you Dorthy and your family. We will miss Pauls great smile, his sense of humor and the joy he brought to us. When we cruised together, it didnt take long and the waiters, and waitresses were saying Hello Mr. Paul. He made friends of them and took interest in there lives. He will be missed, but not forgotten. May he rest in peace.
Bruce McGeorge
May 23, 2013
Paul best coach, great teacher,will always remember you!!prayers for the family!!
Sandi Cabral/Byrn
May 23, 2013
Dorothy Dear...I'm so very sorry for your loss. Bud (Paul) was a great person, husband, and family member. Our family has lost another great one! You have so many wonderful memories that you and Bud made together. He was a person to look up to and certainly to be proud of. One couldn't not love him and you as a couple. I hope you continue to share your memories and that this will help to bring you peace. Much love to you.
Dick Kenroy
May 23, 2013
Coach was a true role model,he taught me a lot.
Lynn DiMartino
May 23, 2013
Mr. Pfahler was one of those people who touched our hearts with his warmth, kindness and genuine interest in all of his students. He was a wonderful teacher and the students in Boyne City were fortunate to have him for so many years.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mrs. Pfahler during this sad time at the loss of someone so dear.
David Ecker
May 23, 2013
RIP the est coach boyne ever had
Craig Korthase
May 23, 2013
A true insperation. Just tinking of all the great stories we could tell about this man...makes me smile.
Cindi ( Spohn) Markham
May 23, 2013
So sorry to see you pass... you were one of the kindest and caring teachers I ever knew. Thank you for the memories.
May 22, 2013
My name is Bob Pearson, my father is Dr. Pearson who practiced in Boyne City many years. I knew 'Coach Pfahler' from his duties driving the bus to the summer recreation program. His obituary matches exactly with how I knew him, even as a young child, as a man to be respected because he deserved it and he treated everyone so very well. RIP
Judy and Larry Gray
May 22, 2013
Peace...
Dan McGeorge
May 22, 2013
Coach retired before I got to high school but I remember whenever I saw him while I was with my dad, he had a look about him that meant it! My thoughts are with the pfahler family....
Janice (Pfahler) Creps
May 22, 2013
Big brother, I am going to miss the stories, laughter and love we shared. I am sure you are lighting up the heavens with your laughter. Love you always.
Julie & Dan Schmittdiel
May 22, 2013
Our hearts are heavy with the news of Mr. Pfahler's passing. We are so blessed by the lasting influence both Mr. & Mrs. Pfahler had on our lives. Thank you always & may you find comfort, Mrs. Pfahler, in knowing we share your loss & sorrow. Mr. Pfahler had the firmest handshake - he meant it! Much love, Dan & Julie
William Darbee
May 22, 2013
God Bless you Coach, I learned much under your tutelage. So sorry to your family for your passing.
Ron Gibbons
May 22, 2013
RIP Coach Pfahler I will never forget the lessons in fly tying it was so much fun. The world has truly lost a great man,coach and teacher.
Eleanor and Oral Sutliff
May 22, 2013
COACH PFAHLER, your name rings through BOYNE CITY. You and Dorothy were never forgotten!! You both made an impact on so many people. GOD BLESS!
Chris McClees
May 22, 2013
You were an inspiration, Sir. Thank you.
Mindy Starr-Pfahler
May 22, 2013
Uncle Bud, You always had a smile and a good memory to share! Love you! xoxo
Kevin and Dawn Stackus
May 22, 2013
Coach Pfahler and Jim Stackus are now fly fishing in heaven.
Brenda Urman
May 22, 2013
We have been so blessed to know you as a teacher and a mentor, you have a special place in our hearts, wonderful memories of Boyne City Schools with you.
Jon Bragenzer
May 22, 2013
A great man, leader and teacher who will be greatly missed. Thank you for making Geography enjoyable.
Yvonne Thompson
May 22, 2013
I am so sorry for the home going of Mr. Pfahler. He was such a great and caring teacher. I don't think any teacher today could match him.
May 22, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Marylou Livingstone
May 22, 2013
We just became FB friends and my heart broke when I saw this obit. You were one of my favorite teachers. RIP Coach. You will be dearly missed.
Class of 79
Kathy Froysaa
May 22, 2013
You were truly a great teacher to many and a wonderful man to all who knew you. Prayers to Mrs Pfahler and their family. Coach Pfahler you will be missed by SO many.... May your family take comfort in knowing that they now have a VERY special guardian angel watching over them until you are reunited... RIP Mr Pfhaler
May 22, 2013
I will always have fond memories of Mr. Pfahler. God bless you, Janet Kelts Massey
Charlotte (Miner) Simpson
May 22, 2013
As a student of Boyne I was fortunate enough to have both Paul Pfahler, and Dorothy as a teacher while attending school. Both left a lasting impression that I remember and treasure. Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Renee Askins
May 22, 2013
The sky twinkles with one more star. What a loss to humanity and addition to the Heavens. Paul was a dear dear friend who inspired and mentored many students and young people. The heart and fervor with which he lived life was an example and inspiration to all. He will be sorely missed. Our love to you dear Dorthy.
Deb Healey-Jason
May 22, 2013
You may be gone, BUT you will never be forgotten in Boyne City. Love to your family!
Deb Healey-Jason
Class of 1984
Thomas Pluister
May 22, 2013
Coach helped many of us young men in Boyne City high school develop into Leaders. A mentor's legacy lives on through his teaching. Class of '80
Judith Pfahler
May 22, 2013
A loving,caring Uncle who's laugh and smile will always be in my Heart.
Terri (Morgan) Yates
May 22, 2013
Mr. Pfahler was like a ray of sunshine walking through Boyne City High School. Everyone he spoke to lit up like a candle, he was so well loved! He will be greatly missed.
Jim Mitchell
May 22, 2013
Paul, you were a man who had confidence in me when others did not. I will always remember you as a great coach and leader. Rest in peace
May 22, 2013
Who could every forget the wonderful smile and joyous laugh of such a special person.
Ann Sechlin
Gayle (Behling)Bouters
May 22, 2013
Just hearing your name brings back wonderful memories. Thank you for the inspiration and dedication you gave to all the "kids of Boyne City".
Mary Eaton
May 22, 2013
A wonderful man, coach & teacher who insptred many, many, Boyne City youth! R.I.P. Mr. Pfaler
Jean Sayan
May 22, 2013
A great man and a great coach and teacher. He will be missed by all that knew him. thoughts and prayers to Mrs Paul.
Tom Carpenter
May 22, 2013
RIP Coach! Will never forget you!
Tom and Laura Carpenter
BCHS Class of '79.
Mike Smith
May 22, 2013
A sad day for Boyne City.
Jane Williams
May 22, 2013
A wonderful man has been taken from us physically but not from our hearts. Blessings go to Dory.
Jane Williams
May 22, 2013
You are in my prayers Dorothy. God Bless.
Janice (Laurie) Houck
May 22, 2013
Praying for Dorothy and family - so sorry for your loss. Boyne City class of 80'
George Shiotelis III
May 22, 2013
Paul, you will be missed... Semper fi.
A great Teacher and Coach.
George S. BCHS Class of "79."
Prayers for Dorothy and the family.
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