Carl Lewis Pfeil

Carl Lewis Pfeil was born on October 11, 1945, in Seattle, Washington, to Maurice and Olive Pfeil. He was the first born of seven children, followed by Jeani, John (lived two days), Becky, JoAnn, Sharon, and Laurene. When he was very young, his father became a pastor who focused on church planting. The family lived in Washington, Idaho, and California. During Carl’s early years in Idaho, he showed musical interest and talent and became a voracious reader. He eventually taught himself to play the piano and guitar. In Washington, Carl enjoyed his years as a Boy Scout, was baptized and began his faith journey, which eventually led to his career in the ministry. He graduated from Trona High School in California in 1963, after demonstrating his high intellect by participating in the debate team and being a mathlete. He was on the tennis team and sang and played guitar with a folk music trio. After high school, Carl continued his education, graduating from Multnomah School of the Bible, Seattle Pacific College, and Trinity Seminary in Illinois. Returning to Washington, Carl served as Youth Pastor for Highland Community Church. He led the music group “Tell it out Teens,” wrote several books, and counseled young people. During his tenure at Highlands, he obtained his PhD from California of Theology. He and his wife, Amy, had their son, Brennan, adopted their daughter, Natanya, and completed their family with the birth of their daughter, Melanie, while in Renton. Carl and his family moved to Olympia when he accepted the senior pastor position at Emmanuel Baptist Church. While serving there, he was contacted by a group of Christians living in the Littlerock area who felt the need for a Bible-teaching church with children’s ministries in their area. He assisted in the formation of what became Littlerock Community Fellowship. In 1990, Carl resigned from his pastor position at Emmanuel. A dear friend offered him a job at a local bike store. Though he initially felt inadequate in the role, he quickly became invaluable and eventually managed five stores. Carl was invited to speak as a guest pastor at the church he helped form (LCF) in the spring of 1991. Though he continued his fulltime work at Bike Tech, he was thrilled to be back to teaching God’s word and was called to be the church’s first full time pastor on April 5, 1992. Carl married Nancy Carner on October 25, 1992. The LCF church and its family became the center of their life. Because the church was still in its infancy, they faced many interesting challenges, which were tackled with perseverance, enthusiasm, and devotion. The completion of the permanent building brought Carl immense joy. After nearly 25 years at LCF, he retired just prior to his 70th birthday. He had devoted 49 years to the service of his Lord. He always said it was fine that he didn’t make 50 years because 7x7 was perfect! Carl passed on May 16, 2024, of complications related to Frontal Temporal Dementia. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his children, Brennan Pfeil, Natanya Pfeil and Melanie LaBonte; his stepchildren, Melissa and Matthew Cross; eight grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. He is also survived by his five sisters and their extended families. 

Memorial donations may be made to Littlerock Community Church, 11510 Littlerock Rd. SW, Olympia, WA 98512.