Shelby J. Pfeffer, age 87, of Manitowoc, passed into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, September 18, 2026, surrounded by her family and under the care of Shady Lane Nursing Center and Homecare Health Services and Hospice.
Shelby was born on February 20, 1939, at Holy Family Hospital in Manitowoc, the only child of Clement and Harriet (Thieleke) Meyer. She was baptized as a child of God at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Town of Liberty, where her parents owned and operated the family farm on Highway C.
At the age of six, Shelby and her family moved to Manitowoc, where she attended Manitowoc Public Schools and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1957. The family became members of Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church in 1946, where Shelby was confirmed in 1954.
While in high school, Shelby became the sweetheart of Glenn Pfeffer. The two were married on September 6, 1958, in Manitowoc.
Shelby worked at Manitowoc’s Mirro Company while supporting Glenn as he completed his college education. Her family soon became her greatest priority. She welcomed her son, Kevin, in 1961 and her daughter, Brynn, in 1962. Shelby devoted herself to raising her children as a stay-at-home mother, creating a home that emphasized academics, critical thinking, independence, and, above all, a relationship with the Lord.
Shelby was a fiercely independent woman who lived life on her own terms. She was well traveled, well spoken, impeccably dressed, and never afraid to tell you exactly how she felt. Her Christian faith was never in question. She found great comfort in knowing that salvation through her Savior was a gift freely given to all who believe and that He was ever present throughout her life.
Shelby also took great joy in the traditions and details that made a home her own, especially her beautifully decorated Christmas tree, covered each year with her treasured Christopher Radko ornaments.
Shelby was a former member of First Lutheran Church and a current member of Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church. Over the years, she especially enjoyed spirited conversations over a good cup of coffee at the Plainview Restaurant with her favorite ladies.
Shelby is survived by her children, Kevin (Lisa) Pfeffer of Manitowoc and Brynn (Craig) Schander of Libertyville, Illinois; five grandchildren and their families, including nine great-grandchildren: Ashley (Brian) Eick of Manitowoc and their children, Isabella, Grant, and Cullen; Amy (Ben) Edler of Manitowoc and their children, Brynn, Grace, and Beau; Eric (Andria) Fulkerson of Payette, Idaho, and their daughter, Sage; Kate (Dave) McCoy of Libertyville, Illinois, and their children, Mason and Nina; and Joanna Suhayda of South Elgin, Illinois.
She is further survived by her sister-in-law, Elaine Kupsh of Two Rivers; her cousin, Diane Bub of Houston, Texas; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and special friends.
Shelby was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn Pfeffer; her parents, Clement and Harriet Meyer; her in-laws, Edgar and Mayme Pfeffer; her brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Gwendolyn (Leo) Denor and Joseph Kupsh; her cousin, George Pautz; and many dear friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 2, 2026 at Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3209 Meadow Lane, Manitowoc. The Rev’s. Stephen Melso and Caleb Davisson will officiate, with burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Following the burial, a luncheon will be held at City Limits Banquet Hall, 3627 County Road CR, Manitowoc.
Relatives and friends may call Bethany Lutheran Church on Friday, October 2, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Shelby’s name would be appreciated for Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church, or the donor’s choice.
Shelby’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staffs of Felician Village, Shady Lane, Laurel Grove, and Homecare Health Services and Hospice for the kindness, patience, compassion, and dignity they showed Shelby throughout the final years of her life. As her health declined over the past four years, these caregivers not only cared for Shelby, but also walked alongside our family, helping us meet needs we could not always meet on our own. We will always be grateful for the many people who treated her as more than a patient or resident, but as a person worthy of love, respect, and tenderness.
Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Reinbold & Pfeffer Family Funeral Home of Manitowoc, is assisting the family with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com.
