Obituaries

Madison- James Stephen Pfaff, age 70, passed away on December 31, 2019. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, uncle, brother, veteran and friend. Papa, as he was affectionately called by his grandchildren, grew up in Mauston, WI. After high school he was drafted into the Army where he served in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. After leaving the military he settled in Madison and worked for various construction companies before starting his own business.

He was able to do many things he loved like fishing at Potato Lake and in Canada. He was also known for playing softball, riding his motorcycle for several trips to new destinations, teaching his kids & grandkids how to ride a bicycle, and helping his neighbors and family with whatever they needed. The thing he loved most was being Papa. He’ll be missed by all who knew him.

Survived by his wife; Diana of 34 years, sons, Jeff (Mindy) of Minneapolis and Matt (Andrea) of Waunakee; 4 cherished grandchildren, Caleb, Mason, Piper and Miles; sisters, Ruth (Darrell) Franke, Patricia (Gary) Hudson, Kathi (Rich) Grunewald, Jean (Tim) Gavin; many loved nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Veryl Pfaff, and his brother, David. A Celebration of Life will be held at the VFW on 301 Cottage Grove Rd, Madison, on Friday, January 10, 2020 from 12 noon to 4pm. A brief military service will be held at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the charity of your choice.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
5701 Odana Road
608-274-1000