Bellville Times

Services were held Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at Schmidt Funeral Home Chapel
for Eugene Winston Pfeffer. Interment followed in Oak Knoll Cemetery,
Bellville.
Pallbearers were David Pfeffer, Justin Pfeffer, Joseph Van Wagenen, Allen
Scherff, Mark Pfeffer, Dustin Pfeffer, Don Luedke and Dennis Allen. Honorary
pallbearers were Andrew Pfeffer, Ken Slater, Logan Pfeffer, Gene Benkowski.
Eugene Winston "Gene" Pfeffer was born February 28, 1934 in Kenney. The son
of Arno Henry and Emmie (Wernli) Pfeffer, he came into this world screaming
with anticipation of all the high jumps and low tackles he would make
through his many years of playing sports, and later blowing his whistle
while refereeing and umpiring the next generation of sports' enthusiasts.
He grew up in Bellville and Hempstead, graduating from Hempstead High School
in 1952. In his younger years, Gene played both basketball and football. He
was on the Hempstead High School team that went to State in 1951-52, and
continued playing at Blinn College. Gene served his country in the U.S. Air
Force from July 20, 1954 until his honorable discharge on July 19, 1958. He
continued his education under the GI Bill at Blinn College and Sam Houston
College where he studied Business and Education. Although he was not a
University of Texas alumni, he was an avid Longhorn fan.
He was united in marriage with Marilyn Fay Anderson in Waco, Texas on
November 22, 1956. They have made their home in Bellville where they have
both been members of St. John Lutheran church.
Gene's professional career began in May 1963 as a case worker for the State
of Texas "welfare program" in Bellville. He loved his work which at times
took him all over the eastern half of the state to insure that recipient's
of the state's programs were property qualified, and then taken care of in a
dignified manner. Early on his career, he was chosen to go to the capital,
and write manuals and regulations for the new medical services division that
would watch over the nursing home program. He was later assigned as
Supervisor to the Houston area. After traveling the highways for several
years, Gene was thrilled to be assigned to the Bellville area where he
served until his retirement in 1987.
Gene's love of sports led him to referee and umpire baseball, football and
basketball for the local schools and in the southeast Texas area. When his
knees gave out, he enjoyed announcing at the local ball games. He also
enjoyed cooking for the Quarterback club's preseason activities.
He also bowled with local leagues for many seasons, and was a regular at the
local golf club for many years, jokingly known as "Chief Flying Club." He
was a member of the Bellville Masonic Lodge 223, AF&AM. After his
retirement, he enjoyed cooking and surprising family and friends with
cookies and other pastries, but his greatest happiness was visiting with his
grandchildren.
He peacefully went to be with his Lord on Sunday, march 25, 2007 at the age
of 73. He is survived by  his loving wife of 50 years: Fay Pfeffer of
Bellville; sons: Mark Pfeffer of Tomball and David Pfeffer and wife,
Jacqueline, of Bellville; grandchildren: Justin Pfeffer and girlfriend,
Sarah Henderson, Dustin and Michelle Pfeffer, Tiffany Pfeffer and fiance',
Dennis Allen, Megan Pfeffer and Andrew Pfeffer.
Also surviving are a great grandson: Logan Pfeffer; step grandchildren:
Derrick Jones, Jennifer Van Wagenen and Joseph Van Wagenen; aunts: Lena
Wernli and Martha Dahse;  numerous cousins and many dear friends, including
Scooter and Gizmo, his furry, four-legged friends that kept him entertained.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Delmus Pfeffer.
In lieu of usual remembrances friends may make memorial gifts to St. John
Lutheran Church or Bellville General Hospital Foundation.

Posted by Joy Neely