Kenneth C. Pfiester

Kenneth Charles Pfiester, 73, of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully after a brief but fierce battle with Lewy Body Dementia on January 18, 2026 at Blue Jay Springs Assisted Living in Green Bay.

He was born March 24, 1952, in Sturgeon Bay, WI to Betty Jane Pfiester. Kenneth was raised by his mother and step-father Elmer L. Cesar. Kenneth also spent much of his childhood with his maternal grandparents, Casper Pfiester and Ethel Fish, accompanying his grandfather in his farming and orchard work in northern Door County. Kenneth attended Sturgeon Bay High School and graduated with the class of 1970. Kenneth had close life-long friendships with many of his fellow classmates that he maintained until his passing. He always looked forward to his High School Reunions and seeing his many friends.

On May 5, 1971, Kenneth joined the United States Navy. Kenneth served as an Aircraft Mechanic at the Naval Air Station in Norfolk, Virginia. During his service, he met and later married Ruth Elizabeth Donnell on April 14, 1974. Ken and Ruth were married for 49 years until Ruth's passing in April of 2023.

Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Ken and Ruth lived in Algoma for a short-time while working for Peterson Ship Builders. Later, they moved to Orlando, Florida, where Ken trained and joined the Fire Department. He served Orange County Florida for 30 years as a fireman and eventually as a Lieutenant, retiring in 2007. Ken also ran his own lawn care service for many years in addition to his firefighting work.

After retiring, Ken desired to leave the bugs, heat, and traffic of Florida, and returned home to beautiful Door County and "get a house with a barn and a tractor." And that he did. Always the hardworker, Ken soon joined the Southern Door Volunteer Fire Department for a while and then additionally worked as a School Bus Driver for Southern Door Schools.

Ken never met a stranger and especially enjoyed shooting the breeze and sharing jokes with his many friends and acquaintances. A lifelong comic book lover, he enjoyed watching the many superhero and science fiction movies that came out over his lifetime. He also enjoyed spending time in the great outdoors, chopping firewood, and observing the animals of the forest.

In the summer of 2025, after being suddenly diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, Ken said "it would be a blessing to go home to Jesus". And so while we mourn our loss, we also rejoice in the fact that he was able to join his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Kenneth is survived by his children, John (Jodi) Pfiester of Orlando, FL, Stephanie Pfiester of Clermont, FL and Christine (Adam) Sandberg of St Paul, MN; 4 sisters, Debra Rouse of Green Bay, Linda Cesar of Green Bay, Theresa Cesar of Green Bay, and Susie Hartwig of Sturgeon Bay; his grandsons; and his many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Pfiester, his parents, and his grandparents.

Kenneth's life will be honored with a Memorial Service held at Huehns Funeral Home, 1414 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 12:00 pm. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given in his name to the Southern Door Volunteer Fire Department. Checks may be made out to Southern Door Fire Department, mailed C/O Fire Chief Rich Olson, 580 County Road S, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Cremation Services in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin is assisting the Pfiester family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Kenneth may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.HuehnsFuneralHome.com.

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