Invite friends and family to read the obituary and add memories.
We'll notify you when service details or new memories are added.
You're now following this obituary
We'll email you when there are updates.
Select your format and elements to print
Janet "Jan"
Pfile
Oct 10, 1933 — Jan 13, 2025
Combined Locks
Janet "Jan" Pfile, age 91 of Combined Locks, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Jan was born October 10, 1933, in Sturgeon Bay, WI to Cecil Surfus Sr. and Clarinda Dix Surfus. Jan Graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1951. After high school Jan worked at Sturgeon Bay Shipyard Builders and helped out at her mother's restaurant, Clarinda's Lunch. Jan married Allan Pfile on August 23, 1952, at St. Peters Lutheran Church, Sturgeon Bay. Together they had 4 children- Robin, Cheryl, Steven and David. After their marriage they moved to Shawano where Jan worked as a legal Secretary. The couple later moved to Appleton where Jan worked at various law firms including Sigman Janssen and Van Susteren for over 35 years, all while raising her 4 children.
Jan especially enjoyed the holidays; she found great joy in decorating her home for every occasion. She was also known for her Thanksgiving Dinners, including her homemade Pumpkin and Custard Pies and of course we can't forget the Butterscotch and Peppermint spiked Hot Chocolate. Jan's hobbies included basketball, bowling, cribbage and later in life could be found playing "Spooky Spins" while having a Bud Light on Tap at one of her favorite establishments.
Jan will be remembered most for her love of family. Nothing made her more proud. Nothing she loved more. Her family was by far her greatest joy. She was determined to keep the Pfile family together after losing Allan. She loved parties, because that meant being with family. She had a way of connecting personally with everyone, making them feel special. Her grandkids fight over which one of them was her favorite. She took life in stride, facing everything with courage and resilience, along with mixing in her perfect blend of sweet and spicy. Her ever-present sense of humor allowed her to handle life with grace, gratitude and a little bit of attitude.
Survivors Include her children: Robin (Danny decd) Schmidt, Cheryl Pfile, Steve (Sarah) Pfile, Dave (Colleen) Pfile. Grandchildren: Dustin Pfile, Jase Pfile, Alexis (Nick) Friebel, Zach Pfile, Nick Pfile, Carter Pfile and Daria Pfile. Great Grandchildren: Jackson and Ezra. Sister: June Haack, Sister-in-Law Nancy (Dennis) Haskel
Jan was proceeded in death by her husband Allan, Parents, Stepfather, William Lunn; In Laws Florence and Howard Gigstead, Marvel Pfile; Siblings Grace Surfus, Carol Thuss, Sue Nitschke, Cecil Surfus Jr.; Son-in-Law Danny Schmidt.
A private family funeral will be held, and a celebration of Jan's life will be held at a later. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Appleton.
Visits: 0
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors