Jake D. Pfleiger

Jake Duane Pfleiger, age 93, of Prior Lake, Minnesota, was freed from pain and joined his heavenly home on March 8, 2025, with his family holding vigil by his side.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 11 am, with a visitation from 9:30-10:45 am, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16400 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake, MN, followed with military honors provided by the Prior Lake V.F.W. Honor Guard. Father Rick Banker will preside. Jake will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, in Minneapolis, MN.

Family and friends can livestream the mass by visiting St. Mike's Youtube.

Jake was born on June 4, 1931, in Devil’s Lake, North Dakota, to Jacob Sr. and Eva Pfleiger. He joined his two older brothers, Casper and Frank, and an older sister, Elizabeth. Jake’s parents came to the US around 1900 from Odessa, Russia. He lived in Wisconsin, Washington (which he loved), and then lived back in North Dakota in Devil’s Lake. In high school, Jake played football, softball, basketball and was in theater. He participated in city bowling, city baseball, and was a member of the FFA. Jake graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in 1949. Shortly before graduating, he joined the National Guard. After high school, Jake worked at the National Tea Grocery Store six days a week making $25/week.

In 1950, after the Korean War started, Jake was put on active duty, being sworn in January 1951. He was sent to Camp Kilmer in New Jersey for shipment to Europe. After being promoted to Staff Sergeant, Jake was sent to Mainz, Germany, where he served as Security Sergeant. While in Germany, Jake enjoyed trips to Paris, Amsterdam, London, Scotland and Switzerland. Following the military, he returned to work at National Tea.

Jake married Sharon Gress in 1953 in Devil’s Lake, ND and together they welcomed their children Jackie, Cheryl, Duane and Mark. After Jake and Sharon separated in 1963, Jake forged a friendship with a neighbor in Ft. Snelling, Elizabeth “Betty” Carson. Jake and Betty were married in 1969 until her death in 1979. He later married Francis “Franny” Beyer in 1982, and they were together until her death in 2015.

Jake started a career he would love for years working for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Minneapolis, MN in the Canteen service. He spent several years working at the VA while living in Ft. Snelling. This was one of the family’s favorite locations. Jake would later travel with family to different VA assignments or promotions in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Nebraska, Kansas, and back to Minnesota. He enjoyed a successful career at the VA until he retired with 30 years of federal service in 1986. Jake inspired both his daughter and granddaughter to pursue careers as civil servants. Following his retirement from the VA, Jake worked at Store-to-Door, a nonprofit organization.

Jake and Francis moved into the living community Keystone (now called New Perspectives) in 2004, where he lived until his death. Jake was well known as the resident Bingo caller and was known and loved by residents and staff. He enjoyed being the longest continuous residence there. Jake will greatly miss his community at New Perspectives. He will especially miss weekly visits with his friend Tully and many other special staff who cared for him.

Grandpa Jake, in his best role, enjoyed 7 granddaughters and 18 great-grandchildren. He is known to all as “The best Grandpa ever.” Jake sent every child, grandchild and great-grandchild a handwritten card for every occasion, and especially spoiled them at Christmas and graduation. He loved any opportunity to see his granddaughters and great-grandkids and they cherished the stories he shared, genuine love and warm smile he showed with every interaction.

Jake is survived by his children and their spouses, Jackie (Danny) Roemer, Cheryl Hasche, Duane (Kim) Pfleiger, Mark (Lori) Pfleiger; granddaughters; Hillary (Anthony) Garcia, Christie (Chad) Brewer, Heather (Steve) Malmberg, Michelle (Shane) Hamilton, Angie (Travis) Hedlund, Leah (Chase) Lunke, Erica Pfleiger; great-grandchildren, Anthony, Henry, Isabella, Charis, Chara, Caelin, Ellie, Emmet, Jacob, Caden, Norah, Carter, Hudson, Asher, Tatum, Tucker, Aila and Calla; other relatives and friends.

Jake was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, his special companion Lois Belrose, and other friends and family.