JC Pfeiffer

JC Pfeiffer, age 84, of Winona, passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at his home, from ischemic cardiomyopathy.

He was born on February 1, 1941, in Rochester, MN, to Clayton and Daisy (Jarrett) Pfeiffer. JC attended rural schools near Oronoco and Mazeppa, graduating from the Mazeppa High School in 1958.

JC honorably served his country with the United States Navy from 1959-1963 and was a member of the American Legion Leon J. Wetzel Post 9 in Winona. He was united in marriage with Arlene Ledebuhr on May 5, 1962.

He attended Winona State University and received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Long Beach State University of California in 1969. JC was employed in public accounting and as a small business owner, living and working in Onalaska, Manitowoc, and Marshfield in Wisconsin, and Stillwater and Winona in Minnesota.

He will be remembered for his enjoyment of all kinds of card games, belonging to several groups that played Bridge, 500, and Poker, and he was an avid follower of the Winona State basketball team.

He was actively involved in the communities where he lived as a member of United Way and various community foundations, often volunteering in advisory roles, and as president and treasurer. JC was a proud member of Rotary International for almost 50 years, where he was recognized multiple times as a Paul Harris Fellow. JC was the founder of the Rushes Wilderness Foundation, and the St. Croix Valley Community Foundation.

JC was passionate about environmental conservation, public access to nature, his church and salvation, healthy living, Door County and the Rushes, as well as supporting human service and environmental charities. He prided himself on always trying to be funny!

He liked being frugal and caring for land and nature in general, always encouraging others to do the same. Another great source of joy for him was buying prizes for groups and events – planning and organizing was his forte. JC always selfishly enjoyed making charitable contributions and gifts to his family and friends.

JC deeply loved his wife, children, granddaughters, and great-grandson. He appreciated all that he learned from his mother, father, and many friends. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

JC is lovingly survived by his wife, Arlene; daughter, Suzanne Mari (Jerry Madlon) Pfeiffer, Green Bay, WI; sons: Jon Clayton (Diane) Pfeiffer, Colorado Springs, CO; and Allen Arthur Pfeiffer, New Richmond, WI; granddaughters: Tara Michelle Pfeiffer, Green Bay, WI; Valerie Lynn Pfeiffer, Colorado Springs, CO; and great-grandson, Travyn Lee Hoppock, Green Bay, WI; nieces: Ginger (Prokasky) Maliszewski, Independence, WI; Barbara Prokasky, Manchester, NJ; and Phronsie Lewis, address unknown; as well as other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister: Dolly (Lewis) Prokasky; and brother, Wayne “Buzz” Lewis.

Visitation will be held from 10 AM until the funeral service at noon on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Goodview Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church. Pastor Garrett Alford will officiate. Following the service, a luncheon and reception will be held at the American Legion Club, 302 E. Sarnia St. Winona.

JC will be laid to rest with military honors at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, MN, on Friday, April 11, 2025, at noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials being directed to the Winona Community Foundation Connect People to Nature Endowment Fund c/o 111 Riverfront St. Suite 2 E, Winona, MN 55987.

JC’s family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to his doctors and caregivers at the Gundersen Health System and Winona Health Hospice for the excellent and loving care provided to JC and his family.

Online condolences or memories may be left for JC’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.