The Historical Society and Coulterville Public Library are working to raise funds for the mural project that will be painted on the side of the library building. To support this project, mail a donation to PO Box 708, Coulterville. Donations of $200 or more will have a name displayed on a plaque.
Coulterville (Grand Cote) est. 1850
Dr. Orlan W. Pflasterer
Doctor Orlan W. Pflasterer was born on September 27th, 1927 in Darmstadt, Illinois. He was the son of Philip and Meta (Kirchoefer) Pflasterer, and married Ardith "Dardee" on September 15, 2000. Dr. Pflasterer was a veteran and attended medical school at the University of Illinois. He then moved to Coulterville to assist Dr. Dickinson in his practice.
Dr. Pflasterer was a family doctor for 45 years. During those 45 years he had delivered over 1,500 babies, was a member of the AMA and State medical Society, was on the staff of the Sparta and Red Bud hospital, and in 1995 was named Rural Physician of the Year. When he retired in 2000 he still proceed to make house calls.
Pflasterer was asked to be in the book "Positive Doctors in America". He was also asked to take medical trips to Russia and China.
Doctor Pflasterer was a big part of our community. He was a member of the Coulterville Banking Board, Coulterville Care Center Board, Coulterville Fire District, the Ambulance Board, and the 407 Mental Health Board. He was active member of the Methodist Church in Tilden.
Pflasterer was very talented violinist and harmonica player. He also was in a bluegrass band. He always expressed his love for the St. Louis Cardinals. No one ever called him by his first name, "Orlan", instead referring to him as Doctor Pflasterer no matter what. His family, friends, and everyone in the whole area could tell you that he was hilarious, and always made the ones around him smile. Young children and even adults looked up to him, he was the town rolemodel. He even planned to write a book, sadly, he passed before much progress could be made.
Our beloved Doctor passed on Wednesday, September 17th, 2003. He was 75 years old. He was at St. Louis university Hospital when he died. Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 20th in the Coulterville school gymnasium. Pastor Gerald Savage officiated the service along with Pastor Mary Arnold and sister Julia Lengermann. He was burried in the Darmstadt Memorial Cemetary. Pyatt-Harrawood Funeral Home in Coulterville was in charge of the arrangements. Doctor Pflaterer was an amazing man and will always be missed.
