Charles (Charlie) Henry Pfiester was born August 5, 1927 in Fredericksburg, TX, the son of Berthold and Ella (Hilker). He died Thursday, May 21, 2020 at the age of 92 in San Antonio, TX. Charlie was preceded in death by his wife, Lorene Louise Pfiester (Maurer), who was the love of his life for nearly 65 years, and by their son, Arlis. He is survived by four sons, eight grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren. His four sons are Michael (Carrie Ann), Rodney (Nanette), Charlie (Diana), and Jeff (Debbie). Charlie was part of a large, extended family and was also beloved by and survived by many in-laws, nieces, nephews and more.

Charlie Pfiester was quite simply a good man, though there was nothing simple about his goodness. From the time spent teaching his sons to hunt and fish to his selfless service in caring for his wife in her battle with Alzheimer's, he was a family man through and through. His sons and their families remember him now for all the times he so generously gave of himself. Mulling over decisions and discussing the world with him over coffee klatch made things clearer, our understanding shaped by his wisdom. The laughter had over a plate-full of dried sausage, a domino or poker game, and life's little quirks helped us find the humor in life. Keeping the comedy rolling until his final years, he was heard telling the nurse on rounds that "if you do it right the first time, you won't have to keep checking my vital signs". Despite all his wonderful qualities and talents, Opa remained humble. When he found an 8-point buck on a hunting trip, he gave his son the chance to shoot even though he surely wanted it himself. Then, he was supportive when his son missed that shot. He always seemed to intuitively know what mattered in life and what did not. For instance, integrity and hard work mattered. During his service in the Army and his long career in HVAC in San Antonio, his diligence and honesty earned him the respect of peers and competition alike. Something that did not matter was extravagance. While Opa and Oma enjoyed any travel, Opa most enjoyed spontaneously picking up some dried sausage and a six pack (or even just peanut butter and a loaf of bread) and heading down to the lake or the coast. He could then hold hands the whole drive with the woman he "just wanted to make proud that she married him". For the wonderful man he was, it is not that there were not lapses in judgement. Opa did once attempt to build a homemade metal skateboard, which turned out to be more of a scooter, for his son that he immediately crashed and broke a finger riding. He also once promised to buy his sons their own shot guns if they were able to shoot a buzzard out of the sky on a hunting trip. I am sure he regretted that one the second it came out of his mouth on the off chance they succeeded, and he had to explain to Oma. Finally, there was the time he took the driver's license test from a man he had been delivering goods to by car for some time already (oops!). Even when things didn't go according to plan though, Opa was grateful for God's gifts and dedicated to serving the Lord.   These traits coupled with his quiet observation of the world always seemed to give him a peace and comfort with all stages of life. Opa adapted with the times in his old age, using smart phones and the internet better than could be expected from someone born the year that the first transatlantic phone call was made. He also gave generously throughout his life to family and strangers alike, happy to take on burdens if it would lift them for others.

Charlie Pfiester has shown us how to love generously, laugh freely and live thoughtfully and with intention. For all these gifts - thank you, Opa. Your lifetime on this earth has been one of the greatest gifts of all.

A celebration of his life will be planned at a later date. Later interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Fredericksburg. Memorials may be made to St. Brigid's Catholic Church in San Antonio or the Alzheimer's Association.