Rose Marie Pfeiler

Rose Marie Hester Pfeiler March 30, 1939 – February 12, 2026 College Station, Texas

Rose Marie Hester Pfeiler, 86, of College Station, passed away peacefully at home on February 12, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by the love of her family.

Rose was affectionately known as mom and Aunnie by her family. She graduated from Alice High School in 1957 and married the love of her life, Johnny Pfeiler, on September 8, 1958. Rose and Johnny enjoyed 64 ½ years of marriage and created a family legacy of love and commitment.

Rose lived a life defined by hard work, creativity, service, and deep devotion to her family and community. She was a woman who could turn her hands to just about anything and make it better, a dress, a meal, a home, or a life moment that needed care and attention. Her strength showed not only in her work ethic, but in the quiet, steady ways she showed up for others.

Throughout her life, Rose worked at Sears and King Copeland Lumber and proudly owned and operated her own catering company for 35 years. Cooking for others was never just a job for her; it was an expression of love. She was deeply involved in her community, serving for many years with the NCJLS auction sale, leading 4-H for more than 20 years, and managing the Robstown Community Hall, where countless gatherings and memories were made under her watchful eye.

At home, Rose’s creativity truly shined. She sewed prom dresses, Easter outfits, and Halloween costumes, often staying up late to make sure every detail was just right. Her home was always evolving, thanks to her love of design and remodeling, and her flower beds were a source of pride and joy. She delighted in gardening, canning and preserving, baking and cake decorating, and creating beautiful things through arts and crafts.

Rose loved to dance on the weekends, play board games and 42, sing hymns of praise, and spend time with friends through couples club activities. She was a woman of faith who attended church regularly and lived her beliefs through action. As a wedding coordinator and caretaker for the terminally ill, she offered compassion, patience, and comfort during some of life’s most tender moments.

Above all, Rose loved her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Pfeiler; her parents, James Hester and Irma Hill; her sister, Shirley Watts; and her firstborn child.

She leaves behind three daughters who were the center of her world: Brenda Krnavek; Terri Jordan (Loyd); and Audrey McElroy (Allen). She is also survived by six grandchildren, Dustin Krnavek (Kristina), Brandi Anderson (Doug), Emilyn Jordan, Katy Jordan-Sanders (Britton), Weston McElroy, and Misty McElroy, and four great-grandchildren, Ty Krnavek, Makenzie Anderson, Chisholm Krnavek, and Rylan Sanders. She is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews, all of whom were touched by her kindness and care.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, February 20th at Sawyer George Funeral Home in Corpus Christi, Texas from 5pm to 7pm.

Funeral services will be held at The Grove Baptist Church in Orange Grove, Texas on Saturday, February 21st at 10am. Burial will immediately follow at Sons of Hermann Cemetery in Orange Grove, Texas.

Pallbearers will include Colice Watts, Loyd Jordan, Allen McElroy, Dustin Krnavek, Weston McElroy, Ty Krnavek, Chisholm Krnavek, Britton Sanders, Doug Anderson, and Will Risinger.