William Leo Pflieger
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William Leo Pflieger, 89, of Ashland, Missouri, passed away December 15, 2021. He was born October 26, 1932 in Ohio. William was a Korean War veteran and was married to Jo (Osborne) Pflieger. He received a doctorate in ichthyology and worked for many years as a fishery biologist for the Missouri Department of Conservation. He was recognized as an expert on Missouri fishes, and was author of “The Fishes of Missouri” and “The Crayfishes of Missouri.” He was an avid naturalist, hunter and beekeeper.
He was preceded in death by his wife Jo. Survivors include brothers Robert and Gene Pflieger; sister Colleen Davis; daughter Patricia Pflieger and Cynthia Davis; grandsons Drew and Evan Davis; granddaughter Chloe Davis Bennett; as well as great-grandchildren Eleanor and William Bennett.
At William’s request, no services will be held.
Visits: 11
A life well lived and a brother loved.
Gene Pflieger
Thank you Bill for the influence you have had on my life and many others through you sharing your knowledge of Missouri’s fish, crayfish, and the rivers they inhabit.
Dr. Pflieger had a tremendous impact on conservation. His work lit the path for us younger biologists. What an incredible life lived.
Dr. Pflieger provided the conservation realm with outstanding information that continues and will continue to be utilized every day. His loss will be felt widely.
Bill – I studied your work while in college in Kentucky and Virginia. I came to Missouri for my first professional position and met you my first week on the job. It was like meeting a legend. You were kind to me, answered my many questions, shared your knowledge and provided inspiration to me. It was everything I could have wanted to help me start my career. You encouraged me to carry on with the crayfish work that you started here in Missouri, and I have thought of you many times over my 36 years here. Even after your retirement you still came around to talk about the subject we both loved. I will miss you, but I know that your legacy carries on.
Bill’s “Fishes of Missouri” and his other published works laid the groundwork for the modern consideration of fish autecology and distributions in this state. I maintain the deepest respect for both the man and his contributions to science. May he find his final rest beside some nice stream where he can sample and watch the fishes.