Frederic Karl Pfaender

August 5, 1943 - March 9, 2022

Frederic Karl Pfaender, age 78 of 971 Ridge Road, Roaring Gap, NC passed away Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at his residence. He was born August 5, 1943 in Los Angeles County, CA to the late Karl and Martha Struble Pfaender. After earning his PhD at Cornell University in 1971, Fred taught Environmental Sciences and Microbiology in the School of Public Health at UNC-Chapel Hill for over 40 years. When he and his wife Sheila retired to Alleghany County in the late 2000s, Fred refocused his passion and energy on several community-oriented committees and initiatives, such as the Alleghany Wellness Center, the Alleghany Wellness Coalition, and Music on Main. Always gregarious and outgoing, Fred appreciated great times around the table with his family and others, loved a good laugh, and sought to better the lives of those around him. Family was everything to Fred and nothing brought a bigger smile to his face than time with his dedicated and loving wife, son and daughter, grandsons, and extended family. He is survived by his wife, Sheila Pfaender of the home; one daughter, Annika Pfaender and husband Joshua Purvis of Greensboro; one son, Gregory Pfaender and fiancée, Jennifer Salome of Durham; two grandsons, Alexander Purvis and Gabriel Purvis; one sister, Julie Ann Lehenbauer and husband Jim of Long Beach, California; two nephews, John Lehenbauer and Jared Lehenbauer. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Alleghany Animal Shelter, 2970 US Highway 21 N, Sparta, NC 28675 or the charity of the donor’s choice. Special thanks to Alleghany County EMS and the first responders. Grandview Memorial Funeral Home is proudly serving the Pfaender family and if you wish, online condolences may be submitted to the family at www.grandviewfuneralhome.com.