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Pfister honored for service by Delta Kappa Gamma

DAGGET -- Beta Sigma Chapter, Michigan State Organization of Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for Key Women Educators, honored Marilyn Pfister, of Daggett, as recipient of DKG Michigan State Organization's Lifetime Service Award. She was presented with a framed DKG MI State certificate, and a red rose at the May 6 meeting in Menominee.

Pfister had a successful 36 year career dedicated to the education of children, and 37 years of commitment to the DKG Society. She was initiated in 1986 into DKG Wisconsin's Omega Chapter and remained an active member there until she transferred to the DKG Michigan Beta Sigma Chapter in 2000.

Wisconsin's Omega Chapter's loss was certainly Beta Sigma's gain. According to the chapter, Pfister is an exemplary and tireless leading member who is dedicated, not only to Beta Sigma Chapter and each of its members, but also to DKG State of Michigan and the DKG International.

Pfister served as Beta Sigma Chapter's president for three biennium: 2008-10; 2014-16; 2010-2018. She kept the members aware of new information and brought new ideas with which to inspire and involve everyone, and the chapter thrived under her leadership. Pfister always arrives early for meetings, bringing with her a wealth of experience, background and knowledge, an air of friendliness and caring, and a sense of humor. She never misses a chance to recognize and promote each member for positive accomplishments.

Pfister has served on numerous Beta Sigma committees. In the past she served on Professional Affairs, Nominations, Bylaw/Standing Rules, and the Finance Committee, which she chaired for two biennium. She currently serves on the Membership committee as the co-chair, and is on Finance, Standing Rules, and Music.

She was the chapter's Woman of Distinction in 2013. The Menominee Local has shared how she chaired, led and attends all of the grueling preparation for their book sale fundraiser. She had also served as treasurer for 6 years for her WI Omega Chapter.

Pfister is also a member of AAUW and has served as chair of their annual book sale. She belongs to the Menominee Study Club and serves on the member committee. She has been a member of the Menominee County Pheasant Club, where she served various positions: secretary, treasurer, banquet organizer, and on the scholarship committee.

Pfister grew up in LaCrosse, Wis., where she graduated from Central High School. She went on to obtain her bachelor of science degree in home economics from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. After college graduation, Pfister became a Peace Corp volunteer in West Cameroon, Africa. She taught practical science for two years at Saker Baptist College, a secondary girls' school in West Cameroon. When she returned from that experience, she began her US teaching career and went on to earn her master's degree in education from UW-Stout. She taught family and consumer education for 34 years for the Elm Brook Schools (31 middle school, 3 high school) in Elm Grove and Brookfield, Wis. She retired from teaching in 1999.

In her personal life, Marilyn married James Pfister in 1973, gaining two sons Fred and Bill. Their grandson, Nicholas, is a gifted musician. The couple will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in June this year. In 1981, the couple acquired land in Daggett. This northern land became their quiet refuge and camp where they went to enjoy the woods and their hobbies: gun and bow hunting, fishing, viewing wildlife, reading and sporting clay shooting.

After her 34 years of successful teaching in Elm Grove, Wis., and Jim's 33 years of highly commendable service with the Brookfield Fire Department, they both retired, acquired more land in Daggett, and moved to make this their permanent home.

Beta Sigma members proudly congratulate Pfister, on this well-deserved award and thank her for her contributions to education and to DKG.

DKG is an honorary international organization of woman educators that promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. The Beta Sigma Chapter includes members from Michigan's Dickinson, Delta, Menominee, and neighboring Wisconsin's Marinette, Oconto, and Florence counties.