John Pfefferle Obituary

John Anthony Pfefferle

Oct 28, 1936 - Jan 17, 2026

Huron

John A. Pfefferle, 89, of Huron, passed away peacefully to be with our Lord Saturday, January 17, 2026.

John was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather-affectionately known as "Papa John"-and great-grandfather.

He was born in Michigan to Anthony and Bernetta Pfefferle and was raised in Sandusky. John attended St. Mary's Catholic Schools, graduating in 1954, and earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1958. Following college, he served in the United States Army for two years.

Upon returning from the Army, John worked at his father's business, The Pfefferle Meat Company, before accepting a position with General Motors in Cleveland. While working full-time at GM, he earned his law degree from Cleveland-Marshall Law School in 1966. After graduating, he moved to Detroit, where he continued working for General Motors until family ties drew him back to Huron.

In 1968, John joined the law firm McClure & Pfefferle, becoming Huron's police prosecutor and the city's first assistant law director. In 1972, he was named a partner in the firm Muehlhauser, Lucal & Pfefferle. He served as Erie County Prosecutor from 1978 to 1988. In 1993, he was appointed Erie County Court Judge by the Governor of Ohio. Over the years, his law partnerships also included Lucal, Pfefferle & McGookey and Pfefferle & Galloway. During his distinguished legal career, in addition to proudly serving in public office, John argued cases that reached the Ohio Supreme Court.

John lived a life of integrity and honesty, dedicating himself to serving others with compassion and guided by a deep Catholic faith. His devotion and love for his family were unwavering.

In 1965, he married the love of his life, Carol, and together they celebrated 60 years of marriage last summer. Their marriage stood as a beautiful example of lifelong partnership, rooted in faith, kindness, and dedication to family. Together, they raised five children.

John was a parishioner of St. Peter's Catholic Church for 58 years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Huron Lions Club, and Huron Jaycees. He enjoyed golfing, watching Notre Dame football, reading, tending to his rose garden, sharing his love and knowledge of history, and most of all, spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; his children, Michael Pfefferle (Dana), Elizabeth Sharp (fiancé Tom), Barbara Bruehler (Brett), Donna Losiewicz (Bill), and Marsha Douglas (Jason); 13 grandchildren and two stepgrandchildren; and one great-grandchild, with another expected this summer. He is also survived by his brother, Bernie Pfefferle (Cher); his sister-in-law, Barbara Reddick; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Bernetta Pfefferle; his parents-in-law, Floyd and Marcella Phillips; his sisters, Joanne (Jerry) Chromey, Marilyn Pfefferle, and Elizabeth Pfefferle; his brother-in-law, Donald Reddick; his sister-in-law, Marjorie Boné; his brother-in-law, Miro Boné; and his daughter-in-law, Wendy Pfefferle.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Foster Funeral Home, 410 Main Street, Huron, with a Catholic Vigil Service beginning at 7 p.m.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 23, 2026, at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 430 Main Street, Huron. Interment will follow at Scott Cemetery in Huron.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John's memory to St. Peter Catholic Church and School in Huron or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Foster Funeral Home is assisting the family, and online condolences may be shared at www.fosterfh.com