David “Dave” Pheifer, 65, of Kenosha, passed away on Wednesday Aug. 27, 2025, at the Hospice Alliance – Hospice House, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters.
Dave was born on March 19, 1960, in Burlington, the son of James and Jane (Spriggs) Pheifer. He was educated in the schools of Burlington. His love of music began in high school, where he excelled at Radio Broadcasting. He spent his college years playing baseball at UW-Parkside, where he met Suzanne Pinnow. Dave married Su on April 26, 1980, in Racine. He was employed as a Journeyman Tool and Die maker at LeBlanc, Harbor Machining and Racine Metal Products throughout the years. He attended Holy Rosary Catholic Church and more recently, St. Therese. His love for music was a great joy. Dave loved a good jam session on the guitar and played for many bands over the years. An avid sports fan, he was always cheering for the Packers, Brewers, and Badgers. In all things, Dave loved spending time with his family, friends, and his beloved dogs, Lucky and Rex.
Dave is survived by his wife of 45 years, Suzanne Pheifer of Kenosha; daughters “The Girls”, Jessica (Eric) Ruffolo and Rebecca (John) Sanders both of Kenosha, and Marissa (Jason) Mehalko of Roscoe, Illinois; his mother, Jane (James) Pheifer-Weis of Burlington; brothers, Randy (Penny) Pheifer of Cudahy, and Tony (Sandy) Pheifer of Saukville; sisters, Jill (Tim) Thompson of Arizona and Julie (Todd) Ellingson of Georgia; grandchildren, William Mastronardi, Erick Guerra, Dominic Ruffolo, Mateo Ruffolo, Giuliana Ruffolo, Scarlet Sanders, Clay Sanders, Cole Sanders, Cecilia Brandies, and Maximus Brandies; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Dave was preceded in death by his father; his sister, Mary, in infancy; In-laws, “Wild” Bill and Delores Pinnow; uncles Bernard Goetz, James Enders, and Frank “Uncle Bus” Pheifer; aunts, Judy Fait and Connie Pheifer; and cousin Andrew Goetz.
Dave was always known for his sharp and gruff humor. His “Dave-isms” are infamous amongst those he loved the most. They will carry his memory for the generations. Dave’s family would like to thank the Hospice House for their care and Drs. Wagner and Batiste.
A visitation will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church, 2020 91st St, Kenosha, on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, from 10 until 11 a.m. with funeral services to follow immediately at 11 a.m. Burial will be held at All Saints Cemetery.
For online condolences, please visit www.kenosha-funeral-services.com.
