Marvin R. Pfitzer

Sun City West, Ariz. - Marvin R. Pfitzer, 78, of Sun City West, died Saturday, Oct. 28, 2006, at the Sun Health Hospice in Sun City West. Memorial services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, 2006, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Java, with Pastor Susan Carr officiating. Pianist will be Lois Wolf and ushers will be Craig Pfitzer and Tim Spiry. Readers will be Wallace Spiry, Dan Biel, Steve Biel, Harold Schreter, and Gwen Walker. The LaVern Bauer American Legion Post No. 275 in Java, of which Marvin was a 50-year member, will be rendering military rites following the memorial service. Inurnment will be at the Java UCC Cemetery. Marvin Richard Pfitzer, son of Maria (Hepper) and Matt J. Pfitzer, was born June 22, 1928, at Eureka. He was raised and educated in Java. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force, being inducted May 11, 1948. Following his honorable discharge on May 10, 1952, he returned to the Java area. He married Betty Spiry Feb. 12, 1956, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Java. They owned and operated the Java Red Owl Store for seven years when they sold it to Marvin's brother, Bob. Marvin then worked as a rural mail carrier until his retirement. They moved to Sun City West in 1982, where Marvin lived the rest of his life. Marvin was an avid golfer, becoming a PGA golf instructor employed at several golf resorts. Grateful for having shared Marvin's life are Betty, his wife of 50 years; three children: Ivy Pfitzer of Charlotte, N.C., Gwen (Will) Walker of Kingman, Ariz., and Kent (Holly) Pfitzer of Charlotte, N.C.; four grandchildren: Joshua, Tyler, Chantell, and Caleb; and one brother, Bob (Joyce) Pfitzer of Mobridge. Family members preceding Marvin in death include his parents, one daughter (Lori), and four brothers (Gehbardt, Chris, Harold, and Wayne). You may go online to www.millerlienfh.com to leave an online condolence. Arrangements are under the direction of Miller Funeral Home in Bowdle.