John P. Pfautz

John P. Pfautz, 62, of Ephrata, passed away at Neffsville Nursing Home and Rehab in Lancaster on August 18, 2026.

He was born on November 22, 1963, the son of the late Shirley Pfautz and Robert Daniel Pfautz Sr. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Daniel Pfautz Jr. and William Pfautz.

He is survived by his siblings, Anna Pfautz and Howard (Rita) Pfautz. He is also survived by four nieces and nephews and nine great-nieces and great-nephews, who will carry his memory with them.

John faced many difficulties throughout his life, including significant struggles with his physical and mental health. Despite those challenges, he had a genuine desire to help others. Whether it was family, friends, or even someone he barely knew, John wanted to be useful and to make a difference. His attempts to help were not always understood or received as he intended, but the desire behind them was sincere. Helping others gave John a sense of purpose, a way to get outside of his own struggles, and a feeling that he had a place in the world.

Those who knew John will remember his sense of humor and his ability to make people laugh. He loved his family deeply and, in his own way, always tried to show that love. John also had a special love for animals, especially cats and dogs. He took great joy in caring for and spending time with them. One of the things he especially enjoyed was taking his brother Howard’s dog for walks—often multiple times a day. Those walks became part of John’s routine and gave him both companionship and a sense of purpose.

He enjoyed playing poker, fishing, and playing practical jokes. John was also a talented artist in his younger years, a gift that brought him great enjoyment. And he rarely went anywhere without his Juicy Fruit gum.

John’s life was not always easy, but it was his. Beneath the struggles was a man who wanted to be loved, wanted to belong, and wanted to help in whatever ways he could.

May his family look back with appreciation for all the ways John tried to bring laughter, help, and connection into their lives, and remember not only the difficulties he faced, but the person he was beyond them.

Thank you, John. You will be remembered.

A private service will be held at the convenience of the family.