Elden Leonard Pfaff

It is with great sadness the 67 ½ members of the Pfaff Family mourn the death of Elden Leonard Pfaff, 88, of Huntley, Illinois. Elden passed away on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at Northwestern Hospital in Huntley, surrounded by his family. Elden was born on May 19 1934, in Downers Grove, IL to Arthur and Ruby Pfaff. After his mother’s passing at 14 months, he was raised by his father and loving sisters Elizabeth Hanrahan, and Ethel Mochel. Elden graduated from Downers Grove High School in 1952 and started out as a dairy farmer. He met the love of his life and soul mate, Jo Ann Staffeldt, at the age of 14 and they were married on January 22, 1955, a true love story, caring for each other through joy and hardship, in health and the harsh reality of sickness. Elden and Jo Ann had eight children and are survived by Dennis (Darlene), David (Terri), Kathleen (Mark) Watson, Karen Pasholk, Dean (Sally Jo), and Dale (Tammy Jo), 23 grandchildren, 32 ½ great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren As a teen, he traveled by train showing cattle at fairs in the Midwest. Elden was an independent man and entrepreneur, moving his pregnant wife and four children to Huntley in 1960. After farming, he started a sales career selling farm implements, AMC cars, and GMC Trucks. He spent many years at Ben Hansford Chevrolet where he was the top pickup truck salesman for several years. He was a visionary before his time; a sweet corn stand, opened Pfaff’s Pub on Main Street in the 70’s, eventually opened Pfaff’s Auto Sales (“the largest auto dealer in beautiful downtown Huntley”), and U-Save Auto Rental, and ending his career at Reichert Chevrolet in Woodstock. He never lost his ability to spot a good car, great wheels, or a good deal. He loved a $2 bet, a dry martini, antique tractors, polkas, the Cubs, and a good cigar. He was a strong, faithful man of Catholic faith, who loved his wife and his family profoundly. He hopes his legacy of faith/love of spouse, and family commitment will continue through the generations of Pfaffs. Elden is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Ruby Pfaff; his stepmother, Rose Pfaff; his sisters, Elizabeth Hanrahan, and Ethel Mochel; his sons, Darrell, and Joseph Pfaff; his grandchildren, Tracy Brettschneider, and Nathan Pasholk. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 27 at 10:00 AM at the St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Huntley Road, Huntley, IL 60142. Following cremation, Elden will be buried in St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, June 26 from 1 to 7 PM at James A. O’Connor Funeral Home, 11603 East Main Street, Huntley, IL 60142 and will continue Monday at the church from 9 to 9:45 AM.

Elden Leonard Pfaff

May 19, 1934 - June 21, 2022