Patrick William Pfister was born on April 14, 1954 in Bassett, Nebraska and passed away February 1, 2026 following a short illness at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, Illinois.
Patrick was preceded in death by his father, Clement Patrick Pfister, his mother, Ola Marie Porter Pfister Wood and his stepfather, Harold Wood.
Patrick is survived by his only daughter, Patricia Ann Pfister Vest of Clarksville, Tennessee who was the light of his life. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Bradyn Matthew Vest and Kayleigh Rose Vest and a joyful great grandfather to Monroe Vivian Vest all of Clarksville, Tennessee. He is also survived by his sister, Wanda Griffioen of Monroe, Georgia and his brother, Robert Pfister of Onarga, Illinois along with many extended family members and friends who held a special place in his heart.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Donnie Trammell Jr. and the entire Trammell family. Your friendship, kindness and steady presence meant a great deal to Patrick and brought him comfort and joy. Your support continues to mean so much to his family.
Patrick spent many years as a labor operator and took pride in an honest day’s work. He was an avid woodworker who found peace and satisfaction in creating, repairing and improving things with his hands. He was a proud member of Local 751 Laborers and Operators 150 and valued the camaraderie friendships and respect that came with it.
Patrick lived simply and genuinely with a strong work ethic, a generous spirit and a quiet sense of humor that never needed attention to be felt. He showed love through action, always willing to help lend a hand or offer what he had. Family meant everything to him and he took great pride in the generations that followed. His presence will be deeply missed and his memory will be carried forward with love.
Visitation will be held to celebrate Patrick’s life and to share stories, laughter and remembrance. Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that if at any point over the years you borrowed tools, equipment or anything else from Pat, please feel free to return it during the visitations. He would be pleased to see it come back around and as Pat would say with a grin, “It is probably still useful.”
Memorials may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Lastly, please continue to keep his family in your prayers.
Please share a memory of Patrick at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
