August "Gene" Eugene Pfaff

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A tall, lanky boy, waking up at 5:00 a.m. to ready his horses for another day in the field. A young man re-enlisting in FDR’s Civilian Conservation Corps to support his family through the Great Depression. A handsome soldier during World War II, sweeping a member of the Royal Air Force off her feet in an English dance hall. A U.S. military policeman, guarding German POWs and managing unruly G.I.s. A beloved husband, a gentle father, and a cherished grandfather. These were just a few of the many roles of August Eugene “Gene” Pfaff.

Born on May 6, 1922, near Litchfield, North Dakota, Gene was the eldest son of August and Eleanor Pfaff, and one of nine siblings. Raised on a farm near Kathryn, he grew up working hard, living simply, and often walking miles to school, even risking encounters with a neighbor’s bull to save time. He spent his days in the fields, guiding a team of five horses and repairing the family’s machinery. Simple joys like hunting, baseball, and town dances filled his youth, often accompanied by his loyal rat terrier, Trixie.

At age 15, with the world deep into the Great Depression, Gene claimed he was 17 to join the Civilian Conservation Corps. It was a chance to send money home. He worked in Minnesota and Montana, building trails, fences, and dams, and he proudly shared stories of mailing rattlesnake tails to his younger brothers. At 17, he re-enlisted in the CCC, completing a second term.

Drafted into the U.S. Army Air Corps in November of 1942, Gene trained in St. Petersburg, Florida, before being deployed to England as a military policeman. There he met the captivating Sheila Attewell, a young woman serving in England’s Royal Air Force. But his duty soon called him to Germany, where he patrolled roads and supervised German prisoners in a POW camp. He was a keen hunter and regularly shot deer for the German civilians in the area after noticing how little food they had. His next assignment was Japan; however, his ship was turned around midway after news of Hiroshima reached the crew. He was sent instead to Belgium, where he helped process German POWs. Taking a 7-day furlough, he hitchhiked across land and sea to marry Sheila in England before completing his service and being honorably discharged in 1946.

After the war, Gene and Sheila made their home near Nome, North Dakota, then later in Valley City and Enderlin, where he worked with the Soo line railroad. They raised their children in Fargo, where Gene worked as a journeyman plumber and pipefitter. Gene was a man of steady hands and steady nerves. He was a hard worker, a firm yet gentle father, and a man that rarely lost his cool, even though his children occasionally tested him.

In his retirement, a Sunday afternoon would often find him sitting on the couch, listening to the Twins on the radio while he chatted with his family and watched his grandchildren play on the big tree in the back yard. He’d have a special twinkle in his eye if he could hold a baby or drop a joke to make everyone laugh. A weeknight might find him playing cards and having a beer with friends. Gene found joy in mowing the fairways for the Fargo Park District well into his 80s, building friendships along the way. He and Sheila loved traveling nationally and internationally, often returning to her homeland. Yet all the while, Gene never asked for much. He didn’t require it. He only wanted to spend time with his family, watch the Twins and the Vikings, or listen to them on the radio, and maybe share a beer, some stories and a few laughs.

Known for his kindness, his quick wit, his quiet strength, and his love for children, he was the gentle giant who never judged others’ choices but maybe worried about them a little. He always reminded his grandchildren and great-grandchildren that he’d be there for them, anytime they needed.
Gene was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sheila; his grandson, Jason Pfaff; his son-in-law, Ken Christopher, and his siblings Lillian, Alice, Robert, Lawrence, Wilbur, Elmer, Jim and Margaret. He is survived by his children, Laura Christopher (Ron Christopher), Gary Pfaff (Nancy Pfaff), Sheila Nygren (Don Nygren), Margie Christopher, and Rick Pfaff; as well as his 15 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Rest in peace, Gene.