Gilbert E. "Gil" Ferland

Gilbert E. “Gil” Ferland

Gilbert E. “Gil” Ferland, 84, Hays, died Thursday, November 24, 2022 at HaysMed.

He was born September 9, 1938 at home in Damar, the son of Euclide and Marie (Benoit) Ferland.  For 60 years Gil worked in the oilfield, starting out driving the water truck for his brother when he was 16.  He worked on drilling rigs, cable tool for oil and gas wells, and was a pumper.  He swathed and bailed for local farmers and delivered mail to Nebraska at night.  On October 18, 1958 he was united in marriage to Doris Pfannenstiel in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays, and they celebrated 64 years of marriage.  He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, an avid college football and basketball fan, and his hobbies included fishing, whittling wood, woodworking, and gardening.  He was proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren and loved aggravating and playing with them.

Survivors include his wife Doris of the home, two sons: Roger Ferland and wife Betty Hanson and Jeff Ferland and wife Pheobe, both of Hays, four daughters: Rosilda Harman and husband Rick of Hays, Susan Ferland and Richard Byrne of Hernando, FL, Alice Meitl of Lebanon, IN, and Karen Crawford of Hays, a brother: Alcid Ferland and wife Carolyn of Hays, four sisters: Ruth Rempe of Scott City, Jackie Steckline of Ogallah, Loretta Zweifel and husband Keith of Lucas, and Betty Ferland of Russell, 12 grandchildren: Garrett Albers, Zach Rupp and wife Tesley, Gilbert Rupp and wife Emily, Clint Rocha and wife Gina, Marie Holloman and husband Larry, Aaron Crawford and wife Taylor, Audrey Dougherty and husband Tyler, Austin Crawford, Jesse Hanson, Brent Hanson and wife Stephanie, Jessie McLaren and Thea Ferland, 20 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and five siblings: Raymond, Archie, Levi, Julia, and Marcella.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2:00 pm on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Fr. Richard Daise officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Wednesday and from 1:00 pm until 1:45 on Thursday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.  A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Wednesday at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Church, St. Labre Indian School, or for masses.  Condolences and memories of Gilbert may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com

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