Erna (Pfeiffer) Wahwassuck

Erna (Pfeiffer) Wahwassuck, daughter of Stephan Pasika and Eliesle Pfeiffer, was born November 20, 1930 in Fuerth, Germany where she grew up and attended school. At the age of 14, Erna’s mother passed away and she went to live with her grandmother who lived 6 blocks from the Palace of Justice in Nuernberg. In 1957, Erna met the love of her life, Raphael Norbert Wahwassuck. He was a United States Army soldier and they were married on January 10, 1958. They shared over 53 years of marriage together and were blessed with four children: Josetta, Raphael, Jr., Brigitte and Ingrid. Due to Raphael being in the military, Erna and the family moved to various locations. While he was stationed in Vietnam, Erna and the family lived at Fort Leonard Wood and she worked at the Officer’s Club for a time. She raised her family mostly in the Fort Leonard Wood area and all of her children graduated from Waynesville High School. She was a very devoted mother and took great pride in providing for her family. She was an immaculate housekeeper and was never afraid of having someone stop by to visit. In her spare time, Erna loved working in her flowers and playing with her cats and her dog “Happy Dog”. She was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary. Most importantly, she loved spending time with her family and friends. Erna passed away at 2:20 p.m. Wednesday, August 17, 2011 in the Phelps County Regional Medical Center of Rolla, Missouri having attained the age of 80 years, 8 months and 28 days. She will be sadly missed by all those that knew and loved her. Erna leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Raphael “Chief” Wahwassuck of the home; four children: Josetta Wahwassuck (James Young, Jr.) of Cleveland, MO, Raphael Wahwassuck, Jr. of Harrisonville, MO, Brigitte Kwinn (Michael) of Monroe, NY, and Ingrid Wuenchel (Pete) of Ogden, UT; five siblings: Hedwig Pfeiffer, Anna Marie Czya, Guenther Pfeiffer, Hannah Lori Beasley and Elizabeth Pfeiffer, all of Germany; eight grandchildren; five great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Erna was preceded in death by one grandson, Michael John Kwinn. Graveside services were held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, August 19, 2011 in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery – Ft. Leonard Wood. Serving as escorts were family and friends. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Erna (Pfeiffer) Wahwassuck

November 20, 1930 - August 17, 2011