Terrence Calvin Pfeiffer,71, of Calumet, Michigan passed away on July 4th, 2026 at Omega House in Houghton, Michigan. With dignity and humor, he fought the good fight against cancer for over 10 years, but sadly the cancer finally won.
Terry was born on June 18th, 1955 in Alpena, Michigan to Calvin Pfeiffer and Annabell(Quantz)Pfeiffer. He graduated from Alpena High School in 1974, then William James College(now GVSU)in 1978. In 1980 he married Theresa(Teri)Smalley. They then made Grand Rapids, Michigan their home, much of it in the beloved Ottawa Hills Neighborhood, before retiring to the Keweenaw peninsula in 2019.
Terry spent most of his career in the home building trades, from roughing in houses to selling lumber, “sticks” he used to call them, and other items needed when building a new house. He was first employed as a salesman for Erb Lumber in Lowell, Michigan but really hit his stride when he went to work for Standale Lumber in Grandville, Michigan. Standale Lumber was a family owned company where Terry became a member of the Standale family, not just an employee. This was most evident when they stood by him every step of the way through his cancer diagnosis, treatment and convalescence, and later his return to work. Terry cared about the Standale family as much as they cared about him, and he could not say enough good things about them.
Terry, or “Pfeif” as his buddies called him, was a friend to many. His gregarious and social nature, not to mention his quick on the draw sense of humor, just drew you into him as well as into his orbit of friends. He and Teri both cast their net of friendship far and wide, and enjoyed bringing folks together, hosting many parties and social gatherings over the years. They were often referred to as either T2, the T’s, Pfeiffer and Smalley, or other terms of endearment which just showed the depth of people’s love for them both.
Terry carried his interest in and knowledge of building and building materials outside of the office. Did you have a project that needed to be done? Well, Terry would not only give you any needed advice, he’d haul his tools over to your house to help get the job done. Even as he battled cancer, he was completing projects including the house he and Teri built in the UP.
Terry’s love for dogs was also a large part of his life. He had many over the years claiming that their lives were shorter than ours so that we could enjoy more of them. While out walking his dogs he’d often meet another dog lover and make a new friend, as would those in his existing circle of friends. Terry’s other interests included music of just about all genres, reading, particularly science fiction, and bird watching.
Terry will be greatly missed by many but the memory of his friendship will remain and warm hearts for years to come.
Terry is preceded in death by his parents, Calvin and Annabell Pfeiffer. He is survived by Teri, his wife of 46 years, their dog Hattie, and four siblings- Kim Alan(Vivian Robinette)Pfeiffer, Tami(Gary) Stepanski, Scott(Donna)Pfeiffer and Gailynn(Jerry)Reed.
A small, graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Eagle River, Michigan on July 6th. A celebration of Terry’s life will be held at a later date
.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Terry’s honor to Omega House, a hospice care facility, 2211 Maureen Lane, Houghton, MI 49931 or www.omega-house.org.
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home is assisting the family.
