Ronald Peifer

Ronald Peifer, age 88, passed away unexpectedly on Monday April 28, 2025, at his residence.  Ron spent his entire life in his hometown of Schererville.

Ron was married to his one love, Judeen (Thiel) on September 3, 1960, and together they raised their 3 beloved daughters.  Judeen preceded him in death. During Mom’s final days, her wish was that the girls continue to take care of Dad after her death.  He loved sandwiches and she was concerned that he wouldn’t fix anything other than that.  So the 3 of us girls made it our mission these past 9 years to watch over him and to take him, in his words, “way too much food.”   He would laugh and say that he “was surprised they actually cook very well.”

Ron is survived by his daughters Denise (Robert) Jansen, Diane Peifer and Lisa (Joseph) Adams, his cherished grandchildren Patrick Jansen, Meghan (Logan) Strauss and Matthew Adams, as well as numerous family members and dear friends.  He was preceded in death by his wife Judeen, his parents Edward and Lola Peifer, his brother Clarence and his twin sisters Janet and Jeannette.

Ron honorably served in the US Army Reserve.  He worked for 40 years at Inland Steel and was a 25-year volunteer firefighter with the Schererville Fire Department. As a young family man, his favorite past times were playing mushball with a town league and mowing grass.  He and Judeen ran the Big Ticket booth at St Michael’s annual festival for more years than they cared to count.

Ron was currently a member of Our Lady of Consolation Parish in Merrillville where the whole family sat in “our pew” each Sunday and went out for lunch afterwards. 

Dad was happiest with his hands in the dirt of his annual garden.  He loved helping Diane on her farm especially playing with the goats. He and Mom enjoyed visits to Pokagon State Park and the family’s annual Thanksgivings spent in a cabin at Potato Creek State Park.  He lived vicariously through the adventures of his grandchildren.  He was so proud of his family.

Funeral services will be held at Our Lady of Consolation church on Saturday May 10th at 10:00.   Friends and family can meet with Ron’s family at the church from 9:00 am until the time of Mass.   In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Friends of Potato Creek.  The family placed a bench at Potato Creek to honor Mom when she passed and we would like to add a memorial for Dad there as well.

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