Obituary of James L Pehringer

Dr. James Pehringer Au.D of Chaska Minnesota, born in Milwaukee, WI January 4, 1954, passed away unexpectedly on April 2, 2024, while visiting Gilbert, AZ. Jim began his career as an audiologist, employed by several Ear, Nose, and Throat physicians in the Twin Cities area. Always the entrepreneur, he concurrently started his own company (Pehratek) in 1979, manufacturing and selling visual reinforcement audiometry products to the audiological industry.

Jim was recruited for management positions by several Twin Cities hearing instruments and assistive listening device manufacturers; Williams Sound Corporation, Telex Communications, Starkey Instruments and Bernafon-Maico Instruments. Jim also gave graciously of his time as board member of and volunteer audiologist for The Hearing Society of Minnesota.

In 1996 he opened his own private practice, Hearing Solutions Group, dispensing hearing aids until his retirement in 2023. Jim set aside time daily to read, be it self-taught Spanish lessons, medical journals, high performance luxury vehicles, politics, or his fascination with helicopters. He also enjoyed sharing his knowledge, sometimes even if you weren’t interested!

After a hard day at the office, he enjoyed listening to his high-fidelity stereo system, simply relaxing in his easy chair for hours.

Jim had a love of animals, especially dogs; this began his contributing greatly to many animal charities. It would not be uncommon for his mailbox to receive 25 mailings each month from various agencies requesting donations! Sadly, Jim’s best furry friend was Chloe, his German Wired Hair Pointer who passed away only a month before Jim.

In late March Bob Millier of Scottsdale, Jim’s lifelong friend, was entertaining Jim and his partner Susie in Arizona. Prior to Susie’s arrival, Jim arrived to scout out several retirement communities. While Jim and Bob enjoyed lunch at a Trilogy community in Mesa, Jim said “this will be where our retirement begins!”

Jim is survived by his partner Susie Lysaker, his sons Adam Pehringer and his wife Erin and Jeremy Pehringer. Jim is also survived by his brother Joe and his wife Patty, and predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Violet Pehringer.

Please join us at the Celebration of Life which will be held Thursday, May 23rd at the American Legion, 290 Lake Dr E Chanhassen, MN. You are welcome any time between 5pm-8pm.