John Albert Pfaender

Pfaender John Albert Pfaender was born in New Ulm, Minnesota on October 30, 1911 to Albert and Marie Pfaender. He was a lifetime Minnesotan having attended New Ulm High School and the University of Minnesota, graduating from the St. Paul College of Law (now William Mitchell) in 1939. In 1943, he became Deputy Insurance Commissioner for the State of Minnesota, and it marked the beginning of a 54-year career in the insurance business. He joined the US Army in 1944 and served in the Quartermaster Corp at Camp Lee, Virginia until 1946. After returning home, John started his private sector experience at the Anchor Casualty Company. In the early 1950's, John and several associates formed the Anchor Insurance Agency. He continued working there in several capacities including president of the company for 10 years. In 1979, John started his own business, John Pfaender & Associates, an insurance consulting firm. He worked there for 18 years until his retirement in 1997. He was a charter member and past president of the Minnesota CPCU, the professional organization for property casualty professionals. In 1991, he was awarded the Minnesota Bar Association's Senior Certificate for having practiced law in Minnesota for 50 years. John was an active member of many civic organizations including president of St. Paul Goodwill Industries. He also served on the Boards of the Friends of the St. Paul Public Library, the Ramsey County Historical Society, the St. Paul Winter Carnival, and the downtown St. Paul Rotary Club. He was also a member of Town and Country Club, the Pool and Yacht Club and the Sigma Chi Fraternity at the University of Minnesota. John was an avid historian. He authored two books, "The History of the Minnesota CPCU" and "The History of the Town and Country Club." He was also very interested and active in Civil War history because his grandfather, William Pfaender, was a colonel during the Civil War, the Commandant at Fort Ridgely and a President Lincoln elector. John was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Marian Orr Pfaender. One son, Jay A. Pfaender; his daughter-in-law, Barbara; two grandchildren, Julie, Jack; his sister, Marion Pfaender Downs, and numerous friends and family that survive him. John will always be remembered for his kindness and his gentlemanly manners. Memorial service Thursday, 11:30 AM at MESSIAH EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 1631 Ford Parkway. Private family interment. Memorials are preferred to the Friends of the St. Paul Public Library or to the donor's choice. BRADSHAW 678 Snelling Avenue S 651-698-3878

Published on March 18, 2003