HIGHMORE, SD – Violet “Vi” Pfeifer, 97 years, 5 months, and 16 days, of Apple Valley, MN, and formerly of Highmore, SD, left for her heavenly home Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Ecuman Seasons in Apple Valley, MN.

A memorial tribute will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 10, 2025, in the Amber Club Room, Seasons at Apple Valley in Apple Valley, MN.

Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the United Methodist Church in Highmore, with Rev. Allison Galbreath officiating. Burial will follow at the Highmore Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the burial at the church.

Violet Nettie was born on the family farm in Jerauld County, SD on September 14, 1927, Violet Nettie Schimke Pfeifer was the second of three children born to Barbara (Losing) and Solomon Schimke. Her first language was German, but she learned English before entering first grade. She attended a one-room country school through grade school, and for her first two years of high school she attended school in Alpena, SD. She finished her high school education in Wessington Springs, SD, graduating in May 1945.

Violet went on to pursue a two-year teaching course at Southern State Teachers College in Springfield, SD. Many years later, in 1974, she returned to complete her bachelor’s degree in Education. After completing her initial education, she taught in several South Dakota towns before moving on to teach junior high in Chamberlain, SD, where she met her future husband, Melvin Pfeifer. They were married on Thanksgiving Day in 1950 and celebrated 52 wonderful years together before Melvin passed. To this union, four children were born.

Over the years, Violet and Melvin lived in several towns throughout South Dakota before building their home in Highmore, SD. Once her youngest child began school, Violet returned to teaching. She was not only dedicated to her family and career but also deeply involved in her community and church. Violet played the piano and organ for many years, taught Sunday school, and held numerous committee positions, including president of the United Methodist Women and president of the Church Board at the United Methodist Church in Highmore. She was an active member of the Deed-a-Nite Extension Club, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Hyde County Historical & Genealogical Society, where she recorded the genealogy of both her and Melvin’s families.

In their later years, Violet and Melvin were enthusiastic members of the Hyde County Senior Citizens Center, enjoying social activities and games with friends. Additionally, Violet worked as an Avon representative for the ladies of Highmore for 33 years.

In 2013, after living in their home for 50 years, Violet made the decision to sell and move to Ecumen Seasons at Apple Valley in Apple Valley, MN, where she resided in their independent senior living facility. She enjoyed her apartment, meeting new friends, playing games, and interacting with the wonderful staff.

Violet leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and community, which will be cherished by all who knew her.

Survivors include four children: Arlene “Arlie” Pfeifer of Austin, TX; Wayne (Linda) Pfeifer of Armour, SD; Susan (Allan) Grieme of Apple Valley, MN, and Greig Pfeifer of Mitchell, SD; grandchildren: Jared Ensign; Ryan (Jamie) Pfeifer; Christopher (Tawnya) Pfeifer; Austin (Gina) Pfeifer; Justin (Jenny) Pfeifer; Molly (Tyler) Lego, Bryan (Cora) Grieme, Macie (Jordan) Illsley; Robert (Crystal) Hessaa, and Niclas Pfeifer; three step-grandchildren: John Broecher; William “Billy” Broecher; and Jill (Travis) Przybilla; great Grandchildren: Jordan, Jason Pfeifer; Riley, Raegan Pfeifer; Tyler, Cody, Joshua Pfeifer; Aidan, Adelyn, Archer Pfeifer; Cash, Conrad, Cecelia Lego; Ruby, Luella Grieme; Eleanor Illsley; Jeffery, Brooklyn, Aurora, and Logan Hessaa; eight step-great-grandchildren: Jaydon (Jolee) Wolter, Aubrie, Aaron Hunter; Haidyn, Sierra, Kailey Broecher; Sloane, and Juliet Przybilla; one brother, Aldon Schimke of Wessington Springs, SD; and many nieces, nephews and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Solomon and Barbara Schimke; her husband, Melvin in 2003; grandson, Baby Boy Grieme in 1980; her brother, Irving Schimke in 2008; sister-in-law, Annette Schimke in 2015; and great grandson, Asher Pfeifer in 2016.

Memorials can be directed to the Hyde County Senior Center, United Methodist Church of Highmore, and the River City Transit in Highmore.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Vi’s arrangements.

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