Dear Joan and family,
We are so saddened by John's death. And, very sorry we won't be with you this evening or tomorrow. Our hearts go out to you. Please know we are with you in spirit.
For over 30 years John, you and The Broiler were literally part of our McHone family. So many fabulous meals! There was never a second choice about where we'd eat when any of us were back in Ames -- never a second choice -- ALWAYS The Broiler. But it was the wonderful accommodations John and you made for our family's special events that went above and beyond and created so many special memories: my wedding dinner in 1981; my parents' (Bud and Ruth's) 50th anniversary in 1990 --when our clan took over the entire restaurant; my dad's funeral dinner in 1992; Larry's many, many seed meetings; catering niece Molly's wedding reception at Larry's home in 2003...and so many others. Your friendship, kindness, and hospitality remain forever in our hearts. What a wonderful guy you, we and the entire Ames community have lost.
Our deepest, deepest sympathy.
Meredith McHone-Pierce & the McHone Family

Dear Joan and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of John's passing last week! I have so many very fond memories of working at the Broiler and living at the Ponderosa! Great years of my life and working with John was such a pleasure. He was always wanting to help you do your job better and was devoted to giving the customers the greatest experience possible! We all will miss his humor and great personality!
Please drop me an e-mail when you get time so we can catch up @ charlessperry@aol.com.
In the meantime, my sincere condolences to you and the family and my thoughts are with you all.
All the Best ,
Chuck Sperry

Dear Joan and Family,

Sorry to learn of John’s passing, but realize he had an exceptional life and would tell us all to carry on.

Memories of my time at Iowa State and parties at the Ponderosa after the Broiler closed are very vivid and positive. Of course, John was responsible for teaching brother Chuck how to cook steaks perfectly. He is still skilled and we insist he assume that responsibility whenever we are together.

Having lost a spouse 17 years ago, I know it’s not easy, but recommend relying on friends and family will get you through.

Sincere condolences,

Fred Sperry

Joan and family, we are very sorry for your loss. John was one of the good guys. Joan, Linda and I became friends with you and John over several years (1967-1970) while we attended ISU and worked for you at the Broiler. We cleaned the restaurant every night, and you allowed us to serve as host and hostess and showed Dennis how to be a salad boy and bartender. In addition to allowing us to afford going out to Georges’ pizza once a month, you taught us things we still use today. You two were and are the best bosses we've had in our collective working careers. We remember going with you and John to ISU wrestling team matches (including Dan Gable) who Dennis helped serve omelets, hash browns and Texas toast to on Saturday mornings of the matches. Dennis, to this day. still makes those omelets on the weekends. On occasion we think and talk about "John's Cabin" for $5/night on German lake and the Beaver Dam Lodge across the lake with ice cold Hamm’s Beer. John and Dennis sometimes talked and relaxed (and drank beer) after work and Dennis swears that only once he had to rush home to beat the milk man. We remember Dennis’s graduation luncheon at the Broiler of Beef Stroganoff. John recommended it, a real and fantastic classic, just like the both of you. Thanks for the lasting memories.
Our heartfelt sympathies.
Dennis and Linda Zwagerman

Joan and Family, my name is Corky Feuerbach, I was a Foodservice Distributor Salesman and called on John at the Broiler. Every Monday I would meet John at the Broiler at about 8 or 9 AM for coffee, Les Anderson, Lou Santora (a meat Salesman from DSM) , and usually a couple of others would stop in to discuss ISU athletics and of course wrestling and John and I became friends, but he never bought anything from me. So one Monday I didn't stop, well that afternoon, he called me and said "Corky are you all right?" I said yes John why do you ask? well he said you didn't stop for coffee this morning . I said well John we are friends but you never buy anything from me, he said "well stop back tomorrow morning and I will buy something from you. That is the kind of person John was always concerned about his friends. I lived in Traer Iowa at that time and I was the president of the local Golf and Country Club. We wanted to do a "Special" opening Spring dinner dance and hired John and his Broiler staff to Cater a 7 course meal with a different wine pairing at every course. It was fabulous, and John got many loyal customers at the Broiler from Traer Iowa because of that Dinner even though it was a 60 mile drive one way. Every time over the years that I was in Ames or passing through my wife Dalona and I would make a point of eating at the Broiler, and without fail he would stop what he was doing and sit down for a few minutes and talk. What a GREAT MAN and good friend, even though we didn't keep in touch lately he will be severely missed by me and the many many friends whose lives he touched.

I have good memories of John and Joan and their daughters when we were neighbors in late 60's. Eating at the Broiler was a real treat. Sandy Whattoff Anderson

When my parents occasionally visited me at the Phi Kap house their favorite spot was going to the Broiler . It easily became my favorite place to have a wonderful meal in a 1st class restaurant. John was also a 1st class guy and will be missed by many. My condolences to the family and friends of John.
Bill Fleischacker '75

Our sincere condolences to Joan and the Pfeffer family on your loss. As an undergraduate member of John's fraternity, Phi Kappa Theta, I first met John in 1981. As the President of the Iowa Xi alumni organization, John played a key role in helping develop young men into servant leaders for many years. He was a hard worker, dedicated to his Fraternity, and a great role model. May he rest in peace.
Greg Stolp '84

John was a brother in Phi Kappa Theta. I have fond memories of John helping undergraduate brothers carve the Hog at Homecoming. Eternal Rest .
Mike Murphy '81

My deepest condolences to the Pfeffer family and friends. I worked with John at The Broiler and he was a fun, kind man with a good sense of humor. He was also a great example of an extremely hard working man! I’m so sorry to hear of his passing.

Joan and Family..So sorry for your loss.

We are so sorry for your loss. John gave us all a lot to remember him by. May his soul rest in peace🙏🏼

My heartfelt sympathy to The Pfeffer ladies in the loss of your husband and father. John was a kind man and a friend to so many. I have many fond memories of the whole family.
My thoughts are with you all.
Julie Larson

The Broiler was the best in Ames. Many good memories of delicious meals and restful evenings there. Thank you for your contribution to the good life in Ames. Our sympathy to all his family.