Neil E. Pifer

Marion - Neil Edwin Pifer, longtime resident of Marion, MI, passed away peacefully at Quiet Creek AFC in Falmouth, MI on July 28, 2025, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 89 years old.

Neil was born on September 4, 1935, in Lansing, MI, to Leon and Evelyn (Nevins) Pifer. When Neil was 10, the family moved to Marion, where he completed his education in the Marion School District. Shortly after graduating, he married his high school sweetheart, Lela (Berkompas) Pifer, and together they raised three children: Michael, Cheryl, and Susan.

In 1975, Neil married LaVonne “Lou” (Norine) Pifer. This marriage blended their two families and brought about Lou's three additional children, Karen, Julie, and Jan.  Over the course of nearly 50 years, Neil and Lou built a life together filled with love, dedication, and countless cherished memories. Their marriage was a lasting testament to devotion and partnership.

Throughout his life, Neil worked in various roles, eventually building a career with General Motors, from which he retired in 2000. Retirement brought new adventures, especially through his passion for motorcycle travel. Neil and Lou enjoyed countless rides with their fellow “WingDingers,” exploring Michigan and beyond. He was a proud and active member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, serving as Chapter Director for Chapter W (Ypsilanti and Adrian) and Chapter Y in northern Michigan.

An avid outdoorsman, Neil had a deep love for nature and hunting, a passion reflected in the many trophy mounts he displayed. Friends and family remember him not only for his hobbies and accomplishments, but for his unwavering patriotism and generous spirit. He was always ready to lend a hand to those in need and lived a life marked by kindness, service, and integrity.  Neil's legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him

Neil is survived by his daughters, Cheryl Ann (Larry) Andrews and Susan Kay (Michael) Mahaffie; his daughter-in-law, Rita Pifer; step-daughters, Julie Lee and Janice (Jeremy) Parm; his seven grandchildren, Shannon (Ethan) Shown, Jason (Virginia) Haelterman, Jon (Jenni) Haelterman, Sheena Pifer Price, Benjamin (Kathryn) Mahaffie, Justin (Anna) Pifer, and Thomas (Brittany) Mahaffie; 15 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Robert (Joann) Pifer, Ruth Ann (Don) Nurrie, Marilyn Kay (Daniel) Arndt, and Steven (Kathy) Pifer; many nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and friends.  Neil was preceded in death by his wife, LaVonne "Lou" Pifer; his son, Michael Neil; step-daughter, Karen (Roger) Bradford; and his parents and grandparents

Funeral services will be held at the Fosnaught-Holdship Funeral Home on Friday, August 1, 2025 at 11 am, with visitation held one hour prior.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Quiet Creek AFC Home.  Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.Fosnaught-Holdship.com    The family is being served by the Fosnaught-Holdship Funeral Home.  
 

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