Robert "Bob" Pfister

Robert “Bob” Pfister

He was proceeded in death by his wife Marietta (Bauder) and his brother Don Pfister. He is survived by his sister Muriel Pfister Schini (Bob) of Coeur d’ Alene, ID. His three sons; Greg Pfister (Michelle) of Lincoln, CA, Alan Pfister (Linda) of Lolo, MT, and Mark Pfister of Bonner, MT. Grandchildren Katie Pfister Maynard (Casey), Tom Pfister (Jenny), Adam Pfister (Kayla), Courtney Pfister Steele, Taylor Pfister, Brianna Pfister Howard (Cameron), and Piper Pfister. Great Grandchildren; Madison, Alden and Emmarie Pfister; Grace, Noelle, and Evelyn Maynard; Jaiden, Haylie, Josh, Lilah Pfister; Easton Steele, Ella Powell, and Boone Howard.

He was born July 29, 1938 in Decorah, IA to Lester and Alma (Osmudson) Pfister. Bob was a scholar athlete at Decorah High School who enjoyed life. He met his soon-to-be wife, Marietta Bauder in high school where they shared a love of music and singing. Bob received his B.S. degree in Forest Management from Iowa State University (1960), M.S. degree in Silviculture from Oregon State University (1964), and PhD in Botany from Washington State University (1972). Bob and Marietta moved to Missoula in 1967 and were active in their church and city communities.

Bob worked for the US Forest Service from 1961 to 1981 and beginning a new career with the University of Montana as a professor and research director for the School of Forestry. He officially retired in 2000, but continued teaching short courses and mentoring students.

Being in the forest was always Bob’s passion! He was always ready to help anyone in need and enjoyed singing Barbershop Chorus, Bowling and Golf. Bob lived life with passion, compassion, and courage!

A Memorial Service will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Bonner, MT on August 30, 2025 at 10:00.