Michael R. Pfeifer

michael r. pfeifer
Michael R. Pfeifer, 62, Cummings, ND passed away Thursday, December 29, 2016 at his home of natural causes. Michael was born February 3, 1954 in Valley City, North Dakota to Robert and Bonnie (Dahl) Pfeifer. He graduated from Oriska High School in 1972. He attended Valley City State University, graduating in 1976 with a degree in Business. He lived in Breckenridge, MN working in the health care field. He moved to Harvey, ND where he became CEO of St. Aloisius Medical Center. He worked as a Clinic Administrator in both Hibbing, MN and Pierre, SD before moving to Spring Valley, IL where he worked at St. Margaret’s Hospital. He moved to Fargo, ND in 2004 to become CEO of Villa Maria, a job he had until his sudden passing. He had an incredible gift for coming into difficult situations and making them successful. He worked recently as the interim CEO at St. Aloisius and Presentation Medical Center, Rolla, ND assisting the SMP Health System. He was truly devoted to Sisters of the Presentation’s healing ministry of Jesus. Michael was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a licensed commercial pilot, a certified rescue diver, a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and loved to golf. Michael was very tech savvy and could fix most computer issues in record time. He enjoyed spending time with animals especially his dog, Toby. He was an avid traveler, making two mission trips to India in recent years. He served as the Financial Treasurer with Amistad Worldwide Non-profit and was very proud of his work with orphans, widows and placing wells in the poor villages throughout India. Michael is survived by four siblings: Wanda Olson, Valley City, ND; Juanita Baumgartner, Valley City, ND; Tim Meier, Valley City, ND; and Joseph (Donna) Pfeifer, Alexandria, VA; his aunt Sonya Dahl, Maddock, ND; numerous nieces and nephews and close friends Aaron Alton, Roger Anderson, Tracy Alin and his family at Villa Maria. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. Funeral Service: 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 3, 2016 at Boulger Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center, Fargo with visitation starting at 1:00 P.M.

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  1. Mike had a special way to reach out to people.He was well loved. My thoughts and prayers to the family

  2. Our sincere prayers for all those who grieve the death of Mike! He was a good and faithful servant to God’s people and we are grateful to have been colleagues with him all these years. Our prayers for the repose of his soul to eternal life in Heaven. Sister Suzanne Stahl for the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation.

  3. Joe and Donna,
    Our condolences to you and your family! Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers as you face these very sad days!
    Chris and Deb Krogsgaard

  4. In memory of Mike,
    Thank you for all you have done for Villa Maria and it’s residents,
    Thank you for your leadership and direction,
    Thank you for the opportunities you have given all of us at Villa Maria,
    Thank you for being a great boss,
    Thank you for your sense of humor,
    I am thankful to have known you, you will be greatly missed.

    My sympathy to the Pfeifer family

    Felise

  5. Michael, was a kind and thoughtful person. He never wanted recognition for what he had done…. This world is a sadder place now he is gone.. I take comfort that he is with his mother who he loved dearly… To his family you will be in my thoughts and prayers…

  6. Mike was a presence in my family’s lives for a number of years and what I knew of him was kindness and caring and fun thrown in. Sorry for your loss and the loss to all those he dedicated his life to.

  7. To Wanda, Juanita, Tim and Joe: Our condolences to you and your extended famlies. We always enjoyed talking to Mike because of his animation and energy. He will be missed by many.

  8. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Pfeifer family. Mike will be missed in the healthcare community.

  9. I was lucky enough to have worked for Mike in the 1980s and this past December at St. Aloisius Medical Center. He was a good boss and fun to talk to. He will be missed by everyone that knew him.
    My thoughts and prayers are with the Pfeifer family.

  10. My sincere sympathy to Mike’s family and friends. Mike hired me as his assistant when he was at St. Aloisius in 1988 and we have stayed in touch throughout his travels across the country and back again to SMP. I appreciated his honesty and his no-nonsense approach to everything he did. I enjoyed the most recent time he spent at St. Aloisius and all the conversations we had. I have so many happy memories of time we spent together and I am proud to call him my friend. He will be missed by everyone who knew him at St. Aloisius.

  11. Rest In Peace Michael. Thank you for all your work with Mercy Orphanage India. May the love of Jesus Christ comfort your family.
    Bob and Linda Bergan.

  12. I have had the privilege of working under Mike for the past 12 years at Villa Maria. He truly transformed our workplace into something we can take great pride in. He was a strong leader who could be trusted. He served as Treasurer of Amistad Worldwide charity which he helped me start in 2010. He was a defender of the poor and stood up for anyone he saw who was mistreated, including the widows and orphans in Andhra Pradesh, India. He was a great friend and fun to have theological discussions with. His leaving has left an empty hole at villa, in my heart, and the hearts of so many. I know there is a very important reason why God called him home at this time. So thankful he is not struggling with pain or health issues anymore. I know his legacy will long outlive him. ” Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

  13. I pray that all who knew and miss Mike will be comforted knowing he fought the good fight for many and has
    finished the race. A leader, a mentor, a friend. Blessed be his memory.

  14. My sincere sympathy to Mike’s family and to all of the Villa family! He will be greatly missed at Villa. I was very surprised to learn of his death as I’m sure everyone else was. I had worked with Mike as the DON at Villa for almost 11 years until last January when I retired. He would offer guidance and direction but did not micromanage which I appreciated greatly! As various situations would arise, Mike would often ask me to have my husband pray for the specific situation, the person or himself. So continuing that request, we both offer our prayers for all the staff at Villa, his family as well as the repose of his soul. He will be greatly missed and leaves a hole in the heart of all those he touched!

    Betty Vetter
    Deacon Clarence Vetter

  15. You have my deepest sympathy! Mike was my boss for his time at St. Margaret’s. I used to babysit hid dog Toby. I am sadden to hear about Mike’s passing. Rest In Peace.

  16. My condolences to Mikes Family. I had the privilege of working with Mike at St. Aloisius Medical Center in Harvey. We spent many hours hunting fishing and camping together.My father had a plane in the 50’s when he was 88 Mike And I flew him over Lake Sakakawea on Fathers Day where he hunted fox and coyote when they were filling the dam Once we took off Mike let him fly the plane something he never forgot. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. God Bless!!

  17. Wanda, Juanita, Tim, Joseph & Donna, Sonya and many other family and friends I’d like to address each of you during these difficult times. My sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers on your loss. Please remember our Heavenly Father’s promise at Revelation 21:3, 4 and the confirmation at Isaiah 55:11 how I hope you find comfort in reading those thoughts as we await His timeline.
    Cindi/Florida

  18. Mike was my boss in the 80’s before my retirement from St. Aloisius Medical Center. He never treated anyone like he was the boss, but an equal to all employees and those higher up on the ladder. I remember him as being kind and considerate of everyone, and when he left the facility I wished he had stayed on. Another Great man and angel went heaven. I hadn’t followed all of his adventures after, but upon reading his obituary and realizing all he had done for mankind, I was not a bit surprised with his accomplishments. He was a kind soul. May he rest in peace with all the other angels gone before him. My condolences to his remaining family.

  19. Dear Joe and Donna,
    Thinking of you during these times and hoping that the memories you have of your brother will bring you some comfort.
    Including you in our prayers.
    God Bless,
    Merlin and Cathy

  20. I worked with Michael’s brother Joseph as a computer specialist when I was employed in Fargo. I would like to extend my condolences and sympathy for Michael’s family, Joseph and his family, and to all who knew Michael. I offer my prayers for Michael and his family with hope and for peace of heart and mind. God bless all of you.

  21. Michael was interim CEO at SMP , Rolla , ND in 2011. His job was to fire the administrator of 18 years , and the longtime older employees, of which I was one . He was not a welcome presence there and his dog was his only friend .He was a terrifying presence , with each of the employees asking ” who’s next?” His death at 62 , of “natural causes” , is unnatural.


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