John Steven Pflaumer

John Steven Pflaumer, 73, passed away peacefully at University of Chicago Hospital on January 4, 2025, surrounded by family. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, and uncle who will be fondly cherished by his wife, Mary Cele née Costello, daughter Julie E. Pflaumer, Antioch, IL, son John S. Pflaumer, Eagen, MN, sister Lorraine H. (Keith) Holtzman, and sister-in-law Eileen Varchetto. Nieces include Katie (David) Nolan, Rebecca (Kevin) Martin, Gina Varchetto. Nephews include Joe Varchetto, Nick (Courtney) Holtzman, and dear friends the John Clark family.
John was preceded in death by his parents, John L. and Helen L. Pflaumer née Kapche and dear brother Donald.
John was born in Libertyville, IL and lived most of his life in Park Ridge. He attended St. George High School in Evanston and Loyola University, Chicago on a swimming and water polo scholarship. He earned CPA and JD/LLM degrees. John was employed by Touche Ross, Northwest Industries, Swift-Eckrich, and Beatrice Foods. He joined his partner, Bill Schaefer, to purchase two pallet companies- Interstate Pallet and Soderstrom Pallet in Aurora, IL. John and Bill later partnered with Brandon Mitchell to operate Pallet Source Inc. in Mount Pleasant, MS.
John loved spending time with family at their summer home in Minocqua, WI. Favorite Northwoods activities included pontoon boat tours of the lakes, fishing, hunting, and golf. He was a member of the Minocqua Country Club and the Park Ridge Country Club. John also served as a member of the Park Ridge Library Board for 20 years and as a member of the Mary, Seat of Wisdom School Board. He coached little league baseball and soccer for several years. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was never at a loss for one-liners and quick comebacks. John's wife and children fondly remember him as a hardworking, family-oriented man who supported them in anything they chose to pursue. He was generous in sharing time with family, friends, and valued clients. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all.
Visitation Monday, January 13, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Ryan-Parke Funeral Home, 120 S. Northwest Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068. Funeral Mass Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 10:00 a.m. at Mary, Seat of Wisdom Church, 920 Granville Avenue, Park Ridge, IL 60068. Interment to follow at All Saints Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum, Des Plaines, IL.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Misericordia Heart of Mercy, a Catholic Charity of the Archdiocese of Chicago or your charity of choice.