John C. Pfister

JOHN PFISTER, PIONEER RESIDENT OF EASTERN WYOMING PASSES TUESDAY

Death which came shortly before 2 o'clock Tuesday morning, June 13th brought to a close the long and useful life of one of eastern Wyoming's oldest pioneers, John Pfister of Lusk, who came to this vicinity in 1884 while Wyoming was still a territory, and who had since resided here, establishing a home, rearing a large family of children and for many years one of the more substantial livestock ranchers in this section of Wyoming.

During the recent years Mr. Pfister had not been in good health, and about two years ago was in the hospital for some time taking treatment for a diabetic condition. At that time due to a gangrenous condition cause by diabetes, he underwent the amputation of the left leg below the knee, and despite his advanced age made a miraculus recovery. This spring the same trouble came back upon Mr. Pfister and several weeks ago he was brought to the hospital for treatment, he returned home for several days and then entered the hospital again. Only last week he had submitted to the amputation of two toes on the right foot in an effort to forestall the gangrenous condition which was spreading over his body from his feet. Due to his advanced age and the seriousness of his condition, and in spite of every care that medical skill and loving hands could give him he failed rapidly and passed onto the land of beyond at about 2 a.m. Tuesday morning, June 13, 1939.

John Pfister, son of Valentine and Hannah J. Pfister, was born at Junction City, Kansas, February 2, 1857, and passed away at Lusk, Wyoming, Tuesday, June 13, 1939, at age 82 years, 4 months and 10 days. He was the first white child born in Geary county (then Davis county) Kansas and spent his early youth in that vicinity and in 1884 he came to eastern Wyoming in company with Edward Arnold and established himself in the cattle and sheep raising industry, becoming one of the most substantial ranchers in this part of the state. In 1889 he was united in marriage to Ella Josephine Arnold and 13 children were born to bless this union, two dying in infancy with seven sons and four daughters who survive. He was preceded in death by his faithful and loving wife, April 7th, 1926. The children Valentine P., Mrs. Albert Olinger, both of Lusk vicinity; Mrs. J. Joy, Kaycee, Wyo., John E. of Gillette, Wyo., Richard of Edgemont, S.D., Mrs. Francis Anderson, Omaha, Nebr., William, Mrs. Ellen Dean, Vincent all of Lusk vicinity, Edwin and Mrs. Henry Wasserburger both of Hat Creek vicinity. Besides the children there are ten grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held this (Thursday) morning at 10:00 a.m. at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Lusk with Rev. Fr. Ignatius of Douglas administering the last solemn rites. Burial will be in the Lusk cemetery.

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