Jeff Pyfer, 67, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on May 2, following a brief illness.

Jeff was born in Rochelle, IL, son of George and Bette Lee Pyfer. He went to DeKalb High School, where he was an accomplished record-setting swimmer. He attended UW-Madison for two years, and then moved to Oshkosh, where he received his degree in Political Science from UW-Oshkosh.

But his real love was buying & selling whatever he could, and he opened the door to his first store, Satori, in Webster’s Attic in January 1969. Satori Imports moved to 411 N Main Street around 1975, and, against all odds, is celebrating its 45th Anniversary in Downtown Oshkosh this year. Jeff always enjoyed hearing from and about the Satori Alumni, the many people who worked with and for him over the years in the stores.  And let’s not forget the Corn Tent!

Jeff loved fishing, boating, traveling, spending time with his kids, and talking about fishing, boating, traveling, his kids and, of course, business. He was a man of a million stories, full of ideas, and a master salesman. He surrounded himself with interesting people and lived an incredibly full life.

He is survived by his daughter Erica (Derek) Mulloy, Oshkosh; his son Cody (Stephanie) Pyfer, Milwaukee; his brother Dan Pyfer, Hilton Head Island, SC, and his ex-wife Kay (Gary) Bahr, Oshkosh.

At Jeff’s request, there will be no traditional funeral service. Instead, the family will be hosting one last Epic Pyfer Party at the house on July 13, 2014. (Details to be announced at a later date.) Condolences, messages or memories can be left at http://jeff-pyfer.forevermissed.com.  In lieu of any kind of memorial, Jeff wanted you to strongly consider becoming a regular donor to the Food Pantry of your choice.

The family would like to thank Affinity Hospice for making it possible for Jeff to spend his last week with his family, friends and favorite things.  Cheri and Barbie---you’re the best.  And Julia, you’re an angel.

Jeff was a fun, generous, one-of-a-kind father, friend and boss, who left us way too soon. We miss him already—our world is an emptier place without him.