Jack Pfister

John "Jack" Herbert Pfister was born November 27, 1920 at Fargo, ND, the son of Herbert and Rita (Rowan) Pfister. He graduated from Wahpeton High School in 1938 where he excelled in tennis. He attended NDSSS from 1938 to 39, continuing his education at University of Minnesota where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1943, and also participated in tennis and was member of the "M" Club. He served in World War II in Dental Corps in the United States Army, European Theater from 1944-46, being honorably discharged as a Major.

Jack married Jean E. Nyfeler in May of 1946 and started his private practice in general dentistry in Wahpeton from late 1946 with his father and was involved until 2011 in which he was practicing with his daughter, Joan. He was active in several dental organizations as a Secretary, Board of Trustee and President of North Dakota Dental Association, and held several positions at the national level of the American Dental Association; including 10th District Trustee for two terms and a member and chairman of The American Dental Association Council on Hospital Dental Service. Jack was also a Fellow of the International College of Dentists, and a Fellow of the American College of Dentists. Locally Jack was in partnership in Music Stores in Wahpeton, Bismarck, Minot and Sioux Falls as well as being a Director for Wahpeton National Bank. Of Jack's many accomplishments, he was most proud of helping implement the Dental Hygiene Program at NDSCS. His wife Jean passed away March 10, 1978, and Jack married Barb Jensen Sturdevant in 1979. They continued to reside in Wahpeton.

Jack was a member of St. John's Catholic Church where he previously served as a trustee. He was very involved in the community serving on the City Council, Special Assessment Commission, Chamber of Commerce, Community Development Corporation and Greater North Dakota Association. He enjoyed golf, skiing, tennis. He won several tennis singles championships and also doubles championships, pairing up with his father.

Jack is survived by his wife Barb, Wahpeton; six children: Michael (Dee) Pfister, Westminster, CO; Patricia (Lee) Stiles, Grand Junction, CO; Timothy (Tarra) Pfister, D.D.S., Billings, MT; Joan (Randy) Pope, D.D.S., Wahpeton; Polly (Gene) Pope, Overland Park, KS; Jacqueline (Tom) O'Neill, Shoreview, MN; two step-children; Tim (Marcy) Sturdevant, Seattle, WA; and Annette (Chris) Hofschild, Prior Lake, MN; 17 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Jack will be remembered as a dear, sweet, gentle soul who loved to have fun and laugh, and enjoy life. He was the best husband, dad and grandpa one could ever hope for.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Jean.