DAVID L. PFORTMILLER

DAVID L. PFORTMILLER Beloit - David Lynn Pfortmiller, 74, passed away on March 1st, 2023. David, "Dave," was born in Russell, Kansas, to Arnold and Frieda (Hofstetter) Pfortmiller. He grew up near Natoma, Kansas on the Pfortmiller family farm. Upon graduating from Natoma high school in 1967, Dave enlisted in the Air Force and served in military intelligence as a Morse systems operator during the Vietnam war. During this time, he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan and Istanbul, Turkey. He was honorably discharged in 1976. Dave remembered the Morse code system, years after he was discharged, and loved showing off his skills to his daughters. After serving in the military, Dave attended and graduated from Kansas State Salina, with a degree in engineering. In 1979, Dave was united in marriage to Darcel Stech. Though this union ended, they were blessed with three daughters, Desi, Darshay, and Deaira. Dave worked for Agco (formerly known as Richardson's Manufacturing/Sunflower), as a supervisor in the Tool and Die department. Reliable and hardworking, his love of working in ag mechanics provided him a professional life where it felt like he never worked a day in his life. Only after his retirement, did Dave realize that a life of leisure was the greatest job he ever had. He enjoyed traveling with his partner Loretta on several bus trips across the country, in his retirement years. In his free time, Dave could be found taking walks, golfing, or playing Sudoku. He also loved playing ping-pong, which was a hobby he picked up during his time in the Air Force. His daughters fondly remember their ping-pong table in the basement, when growing up, and being in awe of how he could play. He was a devoted dad and grandpa and always enjoyed attending his grandchildren's events. He would often check-in daily, either in person or by phone, just to see what everyone was doing. Dave will be remembered as being a loving father, brother, son, and friend whose honest wisdom and analytical insight was often called upon. Along with his sensible advice, you could count on him cracking a joke, which inevitably followed with him laughing at it. His willingness to lend an attentive ear was always appreciated. Practical, trustworthy, and selfless, Dave has passed on life's greatest lessons to his children and grandchildren who are forever grateful to have had him as a mentor and who will miss him greatly. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Freida. Survivors include his long-term companion, Loretta Detrixhe of Concordia; siblings, Roger Pfortmiller of Linwood, Carolyn (Jerry) Bigham of Newton, Sondra Pfortmiller of Wichita; children, Desi (Nate) Richards of Beloit, Darshay (Eric) Frederking of Sylvan Grove, Deaira (Tyson) LeSage of Hays; grandchildren, Reese, Rowan, Wilder, Ledger, and Winnie Richards; Kenzley, Kelton, and Kai Frederking; and Mila and Liv LeSage. Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Tuesday, March 7 at the Beloit First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 1-7 PM with family present from 5-7 PM Monday at the Roberts Family Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to the Pfortmiller Grandchildren's Education Fund. Roberts Family Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.robertsfamilyfs.com