Barbara Pfister-Shannon

Barbara Pfister-Shannon, 78, of Wahpeton, ND passed away on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at her home surrounded by family and under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.  Visitation will be held on Friday, August 3, 2018 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 pm at St. John’s Catholic Church, Wahpeton, with Rev. Dale Lagodinski officiating.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Wahpeton.  Arrangements are entrusted to Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton.

Most well-known for her infectious laugh and undeniable love for sparkle (in life and in her wardrobe), Barbara Kathryn Pfister-Shannon passed away peacefully surrounded by family at home on Saturday, July 14, 2018.  Barb was born on August 25, 1939 to Chris H. and Alice Jensen. Shortly after graduating from Wyndmere (ND) High School in 1957 (where she was crowned Homecoming Queen in 1956), she married Richard (Dick) Sturdevant (deceased) on October 12 of that year. She had two children: Timothy (Marcy) Sturdevant, (Seattle, WA) and Annette (Chris) Hofschild (Prior Lake, MN). Both children live to testify to Barb's incredible love as a mother and grandmother.

On August 3, 1979, Barb married Jack H. Pfister, D.D.S. (deceased, September 29, 2011) where the two resided in Wahpeton and were joined with the addition of Jack's 6 children. She is survived by all: Michael (Dee - deceased) Pfister (Westminster, CO), Patricia (Lee - deceased) Stiles (Grand Junction, CO), Tim (Tarra) Pfister, D.D.S. (Billings, MT), Joan (Randy) Pope, D.D.S. (Wahpeton, ND), Polly (Gene) Pope (Overland Park, KS), and Jackie (Tom) O'Neill (Shorewood, MN). Between the two of them, they had 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Barb married Gerald Shannon on June 17, 2016, and the two very much enjoyed their time between Wahpeton and Jerry's Lakewood Ranch, Florida home in the winters. They both enjoyed traveling and spending time with their extended families together. Barb was grateful to have the best of both worlds through the end of her days. Gerald survives with his children:  Steve (Julie), Kevin (Linda), Mike (Debbie), and Pamela (Ed) Moore.

Those that knew her were immensely blessed by her deep faith, lively conversation, incredible generosity, and steadfastness (exemplified in her attendance at all of her grandchildren's graduations; it was a duty she fulfilled with joy, encouragement, and spirit).

Family members will reiterate time and again that she "lit up every room" and exemplified compassion, joy, and exuberance. She knew God and loved Him. A woman full of love, she carried others in her heart so generously and thoughtfully, and had a well of friends both deep and wide. "She was all heart and all happiness in pink Uggs and leopard print". I speak for all of us - family, friends, and everyone in between - when I say, "We love you, Grandma. Thank you for celebrating life so abundantly. Thank you for teaching us to make the most of every moment. You did it best!"

All memorials preferred to the Carmelite Sisters of Wahpeton.

Barbara 's Memorial Folder