Niels Pfeil was born on September 26th, 1923 on a Danish farm to Carl Phillip and Christine Pfeil. He helped his father manage dairy cattle and raise crops including sugar beets. He was part of the Danish resistance during the Nazi occupation of Denmark. As a young man Niels immigrated to the USA in search of a drier climate due to health reasons. He settled in Montana managing one of the largest cattle ranches at the time. Soon he was the proud farmer of his own Montana wheat farm. To help pass long wintery days, Niels took up oil painting for which he consistently won first prize ribbons at the Montana State Fair. Favorite outdoor activities included hunting, fishing and taking long walks around the prairie.

In 1982 Niels and his family moved to Lompoc. He was a member of the Danish club in Solvang for a time and loved to participate in our local senior/community center. Niels is preceded in death by his two wives. Surviving family include his older brother Carl of Soro, Denmark and younger brother Harold of Blaine, Washington; daughter, son in law and grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery on Monday, November 22 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Niels' name to Volunteers for Inter-Valley Animals (VIVA) in Lompoc, 805-735-6741.