Robert J. Pfeifer

Robert J. Pfeifer

Robert J. Pfeifer, 91, Hays, died Wednesday, January 2nd, 2019 at HaysMed.

Robert (RJ) was born April 12, 1927 in Hays, Kansas the son of Pete and Catherine (Unrein) Pfeifer. RJ grew up on the family farm just north of Hays and attended Hays High School.

RJ spent his youth working the family farm before being drafted for service in 1945.  He served in the U.S. Army Infantry before returning to Hays to continue his passion for farming.

He was united in marriage to Ann E. Waldschmidt on November 17th, 1947 in Ellis, KS.  After 53 loving years of marriage, Ann preceded him in death on April 9th, 2000.  During their marriage they enjoyed participating in German weddings, Polka dancing, and traveling for relaxation.

In addition to being a Kansas wheat farmer, RJ had an appreciation for breaking horses and raising cattle.  He maintained his dairy herd for over 25 years and was an active member of the Milk Producers Association.  In addition to milking, he raised black angus beef cattle.  RJ participated in rodeos and enjoyed spending time with his family at team penning events.  He was a member of the American Legion and Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.

Survivors include his four children; his daughter Carol and Rex Cline (children Jason and Tisha) of Olathe, KS; daughter Jeanne and Fred Weilert (children Jeff, Jesse, and Anne) of Hays; son Roger and Cindy Pfeifer (children Scotty and Montana) of Augusta, KS; son Jay and Bobbi Pfeifer (children Weston and Janessa) of Hays, two sisters, Florence Kuhn of Hays and Venita Collier of Lakewood, Colorado, and 8 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by four sisters, Agnes Kreutzer, Regina Arnhold, Martina Kreutzer, and Alfreda Schmeidler and two brothers, Wilfred James Pfeifer and Peter V. Pfeifer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Monday, January 7th, 2019 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine Street, Hays, with Fr. Earl Befort officiating.  Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW Honor Guard and Hays American Legion Riders will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 8:00 on Sunday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Monday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street.  A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Sunday at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church or to Thomas More Prep-Marian High School, in care of the funeral home.  Condolences and memories of RJ may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

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