Donald E. Pfahler

Donald E. Pfahler, 82, of Bucyrus, died Friday, July 11, 2025 at Altercare of Bucyrus. He had been in failing health for the past year.

Don was born October 20, 1942 in Bucyrus to the late Ralph G. and Alice M. (Tobin) Pfahler and was a 1960 graduate of North Robinson High School. He was formerly married to Susan Pfahler and then on June 5, 1997, Don married Ruth Anna Latta, who preceded him in death on May 11, 2015.

Don was never one to shy away from hard work and over his lifetime, often worked multiple jobs at the same time. He worked at Studer Perrin as well as cut hair as a barber for several years. He began cutting hair with his uncle, Dick Pfahler at the Corner Barbershop in Marion and eventually worked out of his home. Don also spent many years at Baja and retired as a Production Supervisor. And if these jobs weren’t enough, he also spent most of his life working on their family farm; tending to animals, working the land and handling anything else needed to keep their farm running.

He had served in the Ohio National Guard; was a member of the former North Robinson UMC; Crestline UMC and the Sons of the American Revolution.

Don will certainly be remembered as a storyteller and when he spoke, his conversations often ran long. He loved going to auctions to find treasures for his many collections. One of his favorite collections was vinyl records and over the years, Don accumulated 1000s of various vinyl albums which his sold and traded with fellow enthusiasts. And yes, there were stories told that went along with the albums. He enjoyed woodworking and even built a few homes over the years, including one of their family homes. Singing was important to Don and during his younger years, he sang in church choir as well as barbershop groups. When he did find time to relax, he enjoyed watching Fox News.

Don is survived by two daughters, Charity Lynn Pfahler and Sherry Dwan (Shannon) Thompson; stepson, Donald (Karli) Stacy; son-in-law, Bill Hauptman IV; grandchildren, Bill Hauptman V, Joshua Hauptman, Brittany Thompson, Mikaela (Noah) Jackson, and Ashley Thompson; step-grandchildren, Brittni (Michael) Pile, Sandra Stacy, Tristan Stacy, Makaylah Frank, Logan Crawford, and Arabellah Crawford and three great grandchildren, Nova, Eliza and Zion Jackson.

Along with those previously mentioned, Don was preceded in death by daughter, Natalie Ann Hauptman and sister, Carol (John) Gelbach.

Friends are invited to join the family for a graveside funeral which will be held at 1:30 pm Thursday, July 17 at Union Cemetery near Sulphur Springs (corner of SR98 & SR 602) with Rev. Jennifer Whitmore officiating.

Donations will be accepted through Wise Funeral Service and expressions of sympathy can be shared on Don’s guestbook page at www.wisefuneral.com.