Joseph V. Pfister

Joseph V. Pfister

Joseph V. Pfister, age 81, of Node, Wyo. passed away on Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 at the Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, Neb. A Christian Wake Service was held Sunday afternoon, 3:30 p.m. at the Cicmanec-Pier Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial was Monday morning, 10:30 a.m., at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Lusk with Father Pat Shea officiating. Interment followed at the Lusk Cemetery with Military honors.

Joe was born Feb. 14, 1919, on the family ranch south of Node, Wyo. He was the son of Thomas and Frances Seichter Pfister. Joe attended school at Node through the 10th grade and attended the Catholic high school, Assumption Academy, in Chadron, Neb. graduating in 1937. He attended two years of college at the University of Wyoming in Laramie.

Joe served in the United States Army during World War II spending 38 months overseas. He was active in the Niobrara V.F.W. and American Legion Post. He married Lenore Shafer of Harrison, Nebraska on May 9, 1949, and they had four sons.

Joe became a registered Columbia Sheep breeder in 1946. He was actively involved in the Wyoming Columbia Sheep Breeders Association. He served several terms as a director and as the president of the association. He served several terms as a director of the National Columbia Sheep Breeders Association and showed at the association shows throughout the United States for over 30 years. In 1962 he received the Columbia Sheep Breeders Association Sheepman of the year and in 1977 he received their highest award, the Silver Bell Award.

He exhibited in the National Western Wool Show for several years and received many top awards. He also exhibited sheep and wool at the Wyoming State Fair. In 1966 he received an award for being the longest consecutive exhibitor at the fair. His sheep and wool won numerous awards throughout the year.

Joe served on the Wyoming State Ram Sale Committee for many years, and served several terms as its Chairman. He sold many top quality rams at the sale for years.

He was a member of the Niobrara School Board serving as treasurer for two years. He was also a member of the Niobrara Farm Bureau and served as its treasurer. Joe also belonged to the Niobrara Rural Electric Association and St. Leo's Catholic Church in Lusk. He was a charter member of the Niobrara Sheep Association and sold rams at the Lusk Ram Sale from its beginning in the early 1940's until his retirement in 1997. Joe was active on the Niobrara County Predator Board and served many years as its President.

He owned land in Whitney Irrigation District, Whitney, Neb. from 1955 until the time of his death. Joe enjoyed making crops grow and flourish with irrigation.

Joe and his three brothers were very active in the 4-H program in Niobrara County, as members, a leader, and a supporter of the program. He enjoyed playing Pinochle, traveling, hunting and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Louis and Paul, and two infant sons.

He is survived by his wife Lenore of Node, sons, Charles of Node, John and his wife Selina of Riverton, grandson Mark Pfister and his mother Joyce Aspen of Chadron, Neb., granddaughter Shira Pfister of Riverton, two brothers, George (Jane) Pfister of Chadron and Leo (Edith) Pfister of Whitney, one sister, Sister Teresa Coleta of the Poor Clares of Omaha, Neb., also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews and friends.

Memorials have been established to the Niobrara County 4-H program or the Lusk E.M.T's.

The Cicamanec-Pier Funeral Home in Lusk is in charge of arrangements.

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