Obituary for Kenneth James Pfaff

Kenneth James Pfaff, 88, of Holmen, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Sunday, August 2, 2026.

Kenneth was born on June 22, 1938, in the family farmhouse in Burr Oak, Wisconsin, to Lawrence M. Pfaff and Grace (Reicheldt) Pfaff. He grew up on the family dairy farm and attended a one-room schoolhouse in Burr Oak. Though he dreamed of following his older brothers into farming, his mother encouraged him toward a career beyond the farm, and he went on to attend the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, earning a B.S. in chemistry.

At age 22, Kenneth was hired as a research technician at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, beginning a career that would span 40 years and rise to the rank of Staff Member in laboratory administration. He took great pride in his work at Mayo, including his contributions as administrator of the blood bank, which led to a co-authored publication, "Quality Control in the Blood Bank—A New Approach," in the American Journal of Clinical Pathology in 1974.

On December 19, 1959, Kenneth married the love of his life, Harriet Dawn Storandt. Their marriage of 66 years was marked by deep devotion, mutual respect, and shared adventures. Together they raised two sons in Rochester, Minnesota, before relocating around 2017 to the Holmen, Wisconsin farm of their son Timothy, returning Kenneth to the community and countryside of his youth.

Kenneth was a man of many passions. He was an avid breeder of purebred Holstein dairy cattle, deeply engaged in the science of cattle genetics, and a longtime fixture at the World Dairy Expo. He was a devoted antiquer, especially fond of restoring oak furniture and collecting primitive Scandinavian pieces and rosemaled items. In retirement, he became a dedicated gardener, canner, and cook, generously sharing his vegetables and canned goods with friends and neighbors. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting deer, grouse, and pheasant, and he was a meticulous butcher. He was also a faithful fan of the Green Bay Packers, UW Badgers, and Milwaukee's professional teams.

A devout Lutheran, Kenneth was a longtime member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Rochester and, in his final year, was glad to begin attending services in person at a local Lutheran church near his son's farm. He was known for his generosity, his storytelling, and his love of a good conversation over a beer with friends and neighbors.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Harriet; sons, Samuel Pfaff and Timothy Pfaff; sister, Nancy Bradley; grandchildren, Benjamin Pfaff and Adela Rose Tierney; great-grandchildren, Hunter and Loreali; brother-in-law, Earl Roberts; sister-in-law, Ann Pfaff.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Thomas and William Pfaff; three sisters-in-law; and one brother-in-law.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, August 10, 2026, at Halfway Creek Lutheran Church, W6016 Cty Rd. W, Holmen. Patti Happel - Synod Authorized Minister, will officiate. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m., until the time of service, Monday, at the church. The graveside service and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Halfway Creek Lutheran Church, Holmen.

The family wishes to thank the many friends, relatives and neighbors who brought joy and companionship to Kenneth's life, right up to his final days.

Online condolences may be offered at this site.