Ernest Patrick "Pat" Pfitzner Jr's Obituary
Ernest Patrick Pfitzner better known as Pat or Patrick, age 84, of Tulsa, OK. passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. The family appreciates the excellent care that Pat received both in the ER and on the fourth floor.
Pat was born on October 16, 1940, in Aurora, MO. He grew up in the Aurora and Verona, MO area going to school at the Sacred Heart School in Verona and then to Aurora High School. Pat graduated in 1958.
Pat grew up on a farm playing with his little brother and sister, climbing trees, and playing baseball. He and his brother Jim fought - a lot, about anything, their dad’s milking bucket, who fed the cows, and who got to use the milking stool. Fortunately, they outgrew that to become fast friends as adults. As he grew older, Pat raced cars on circle tracks throughout Missouri.
He dedicated 14 years to the military and Army reserve. One of his fond memories while stationed in Germany was watching an Engineering Bridge Company float a large engineering bridge down the Rhine River. Pat drove for the company commander and saw Germany through the lens of the military. Commendations included the National Defense Service medal and Sharpshooter (rifle).
Throughout his career, Pat lived in Missouri, Texas, and Arkansas. Upon moving to Tulsa, Pat worked for Rainbow Bread and later for Shaw-Word, a metal fabrication company, until his retirement. In addition to these, Pat found a niche job picking up recyclable cans from commercial businesses. He did this for 28 years and was known as Pat, the Can Man. Pat proudly paid for four cars with his can-man money. He was most proud of AA and his freedom from addiction for over 30 years and wanted this to be an encouragement for others. Pat was a member of the Jaycee’s and traveled to meetings in several states.
Pat attended church at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. One of his last requests was to have a visit from the priest when hospitalized and he was so happy to visit and receive communion.
Pat was known for his phone greeting, H-E-L-L-O that only he could voice in his spectacular way and in response to someone, “yeah, yeah, yeah.” He talked to everyone, but usually with short conversations, and memories of his connections with people for lengthy periods after. In later years when movement was difficult, Pat absconded Patricia’s big TV to watch wrestling and what he called “drama shows,” the Price is Right, Let’s Make a Deal, and the Wheel of Fortune.
Pat is survived by his loving wife, Patricia of almost 30 years who loved him and attended to his every need until his death. He is also survived by his stepson, Kevin, wife Kayla, and their children, Kaydance and Kylar; by his brother, Jim and wife, Young from Lakewood, WA.; his sister, Jenny and husband, Bill from Liberty, MO.; his brother and sister-in-law, Troy Williams Junior, and Delores from Terlton, OK.; his nephews and nieces, their spouses and children; special friends, Salvador, Maria and children; and his and Patricia’s two faithful dogs, Scruffy and Sheba. Pat was predeceased by his parents, Ernest, and Alice Pfitzner.
Services will be at the Floral Haven Funeral Home, 6500 S 129th. E Avenue, Broken Arrow, OK. www.floralhaven.com. Pat will be buried at the Floral Haven Cemetery in the Veterans section. Visitation hours will be from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Monday, February 10, 2025, and the funeral services will be at the chapel at the Floral Haven Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 11, at 10:00 am. There will be no graveside services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Food Bank at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 2720 S 129th E Ave, Tulsa, OK. 74134 in his honor. It was Pat’s favorite charity.
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