Fr. Miles Pfalzer, OFM

Known for his dedication, his calm perseverance and his quick wit, he was such a believable storyteller it was hard to discern the truth from outright flights of fancy. Born Elmer Pfalzer in Louisville, Ky., on June 5, 1920, he was one of seven children of Carl and Hulda (Stevens) Pfalzer. His favorite boyhood story – probably true – was of meeting the great Babe Ruth and taking him to church.

Elmer followed older brothers Juvenal and Roman to St. Francis Seminary in Cincinnati and in 1938 was received as a Franciscan novice (and renamed Miles) at Cincinnati’s St. Anthony Friary. He professed first vows with the Province of St. John the Baptist in 1939, studied philosophy at Duns Scotus College in Southfield, Mich., and professed his Solemn Vows in 1942. After theology studies at Holy Family Monastery in Oldenburg, Ind., he was ordained a priest June 5, 1947.

In his first assignment as a priest at Our Lady of Good Harbor Parish in Buras, La., Fr. Pfalzer helped build two schools. In 1956 he joined a fledgling mission to the Philippines, immersing himself in the study of the Cebuano language. A beloved pastor, he built a rectory and several chapels in the missions of Baybay, Kawayan and Naval. “He has done much to improve the conditions of the Church,” an associate wrote home.

Returning to the U.S. in 1971, he was a hospital chaplain whose gentle manner and warm personality soothed and supported patients and their families in Kansas City, Mo., Baton Rouge, La., and Hamilton, Ohio. What followed from 1988-2001 was his favorite assignment, parochial ministry in the rugged, scenic Upper Peninsula of Michigan. “I liked the cold weather; I enjoyed the snow,” he explained. When friars left the UP, Fr. Pfalzer became an enthusiastic presence at St. Francis Retreat House in Easton, Pa., providing sacramental ministry to friars and retreatants for most of the next 13 years.

In 2014 at the age of 94 he retired to St. Margaret Hall in Cincinnati. He recently shared his secret to longevity: “Mind your own business,” Asked, “What’s the best thing about being a friar?” he replied, “There’s nothing bad about it.”

Fr. Pfalzer was preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings; he is survived by nieces and nephews. Friars will receive his body at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 10, at St. Clement Church in Cincinnati, with visitation until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Interment at St. Mary Cemetery in Cincinnati will follow. Memorials in his name may be made to the Franciscans in care of FriarWorks, 1615 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202.