Jean Louise (Swanson) Pfaff 1932-2025

Jean Louise (Swanson) Pfaff passed away peacefully at her residence in Mineola on March 8, 2025, just five days shy of her 93rd birthday. Born in Superior, Wis., Jean moved to Texas as a young wife and devoted her time to raising her children, running the family business and maintaining ties with her many friends. She was raised by her Norwegian grandparents after the sudden death of her mother at the age of eight. She was a proud graduate of Superior High School and kept in touch with many of her classmates up to the time of her death.

Jean was a Sunday school teacher at Elmwood Baptist Church and Kessler Park Baptist Church in Dallas and later taught youth and adults in a number of churches in the East Texas area. A cancer survivor herself, she assisted patients with travel to appointments for chemotherapy and provided comfort and companionship to those in need.

A hard working survivor of The Great Depression and World War Two, Jean built with her husband, Kenneth, several successful businesses in orthopedic sales, property development and meat processing. She volunteered in church, school and the community at large to make opportunities for others. She took in anyone who needed help, including traveling family, displaced children in trouble and always made room in her busy household for others. It was common to have extra guests at our holiday meals as mom would always welcome anyone without a place to celebrate. 

Jean was a long-term resident of Wood County, but traveled extensively with her beloved husband, Kenneth Lyndon Pfaff, before his death in 2009, after 55 years of marriage. She took great pride in her family. She leaves behind her four loving children, Cathy Hass and husband Randy; John Pfaff and wife, Valerie (Kalsbeck); Rob Pfaff and wife, Cindy (Cunningham); and Todd Pfaff and wife, Diana (Rodriguez). Additionally, she left to this Earth nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Jean’s warmth and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her life will be honored in a memorial service where family and friends will gather to celebrate a life well lived. 

Time and location of service:

Sand Springs Baptist Church, 3208 County Road 2330, Mineola, on Saturday, March 29. 

Visitation with family and friends will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a Celebration of Life  service following at 11 a.m.