John Robert Pfeffer's Obituary
John Robert Pfeffer (85), of Ames, Iowa, passed away at home on April 12, 2023. John Pfeffer was born on October 8, 1937, in Wesley, Iowa, to Leroy Pfeffer and Pauline Young where he lived until moving to attend Iowa State University. He has called Ames his home ever since. After graduation, John purchased the Broiler restaurant, which he and his wife Joan ran until their retirement. John and Joan married on June 20, 1959. John served on the United Community school board while his children attended. Cooking, gardening, and performing were just some of his many talents. John planted a garden every year and kept a greenhouse attached to the Broiler. Edible flowers from his gardens would appear on the dinner plates as a special touch. The wildflower garden was especially beautiful. John performed in multiple shows at the UCSTARs and ACTORs theaters. He was a talented character actor and singer. After retirement from the restaurant, John kept busy in different jobs, finally actually retiring just before his 85th birthday. John loved to travel, and New York City and Las Vegas were some of his favorites. He cheered for the Chicago Cubs and was happy to see them finally win the World Series in 2016. John is survived by his wife Joan and three children, Julie Coleman, Rebecca Masucci, and Sarah Pfeffer; grandchildren Ian Coleman (Katie), Jared Coleman, Reilly Coleman, and Max Masucci; great-granddaughter Isabelle Coleman; countless extended family; and friends. All held him in the highest regard and loved him dearly. John was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Paul, and his sisters, Judy, and JoAnne. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Grandon Funeral & Cremation Care (414 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa). Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at Grandon Funeral & Cremation Care. Interment will follow at Ames Municipal Cemetery. Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com Memorials can be made on behalf of John to Iowa Public Radio.
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