Kenneth L. Pifke

1924 - 2025

Kenneth L. Pifke
Born: January 3, 1924
Died: August 12, 2025
Kenneth L. Pifke peacefully passed away in his home on August 12, 2025. The family is very grateful to the In-Home Care Connection Hospice Services staff for their compassion and professionalism.
Ken was born on January 3, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois. He was the youngest son of Martha and John Pifke. His siblings were: Harriet (Sis), John, Robert, and Raymond.
Ken graduated from Lane Technical High School in Chicago on June 23, 1942. At 18, Ken joined the 2nd Marines Aircraft Wing. At 20, he held the rank of Master Technical Sergeant.
Ken served in the Marines from July 1942 until his honorable discharge on November 23, 1945. He earned the following medals: Good Conduct, Sharpshooter, and Asian-Pacific Campaign.
Ken married Marilyn Lois (Rufolo) on December 7, 1946. Ken and Marilyn had three children: Karen Margaret (Pifke) Asta Crossman of Prophetstown IL, Kristine Louise (Pifke) Burke-Bielema, wife of Bart J. Bielema of Lyndon IL, and Kenneth Michael Pifke (deceased 1989).
Ken was a tool and die maker in the Chicago area for over 40 years. Ken and Marilyn retired to the Prophetstown Illinois area in 1988; they thoroughly enjoyed their retirement.
Ken participated in the Q-C Honor Flight to Washington DC November 10, 2010. He was a member of the Prophets Hills Country Club. He built and repaired golf clubs. He was an active member of the Rock River Carvers. He also served on the board of the Prophetstown Lyndon Tampico Education Foundation. He worked part-time for Good Samaritan Retirement Home as a handyman. Ken was a devoted member of Saint Catherine's of Sienna Catholic Church. In his later years, he enjoyed assembling small log cabins.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sister, his wife, Marilyn, his son, Kenneth, his son-in-law, Phillip Crossman, and his beloved dog, Rufus.
Ken was blessed with 5 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Michelle (Asta) Duke, husband, Paul; children - Preston and Madison. Andrea (Asta) Lewey, husband, Scott; child -Jenna; stepsister, Megan Walls, husband, Martel Walls Sr.; children - Martel Jr. and Mariah. Timothy Asta, wife, Donna; children - Lauren and Steven. Kenneth Asta, wife, Lindsay; children - Landon, Carter, Riley, and Hailey.
In lieu of flowers, Ken has requested that any donations/memorials be directed to Saint Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 10 to 11 AM at St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church in Prophetstown, followed by the Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM in the church. Burial with military honors will conclude at Riverside Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory in Prophetstown.
Light refreshments will follow at the church.