William Pelzel

William Pelzel

William Pelzel, age 99, of Catharine, Kansas, died Friday, November 1, 2019 at Hays Good Samaritan Society.

He was born April 27, 1920 in Catharine, one of eleven children to Leo and Sophia (Staab) Pelzel.  He was a farmer and cattleman and also worked for Schwaller’s Lumber and did construction work.  He previously worked in the oilfield and in the CC Camps.  On May 19, 1941 he was united in marriage to Albertine Windholz in Emmeram, Kansas.  They were married over 56 years before she preceded him in death on December 14, 1997.  He was a member of St. Catherine Catholic Church and the Eagles Lodge, and he loved the farm, wheat, cattle, and his dogs.  He enjoyed driving and looking at the fields, playing cards, fishing, training his dogs, polka and waltz dancing, music, playing the harmonica, and socializing and visiting.  He was everybody’s favorite uncle and he appreciated his nephews, family, and friends helping him on the farm.  He loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include three daughters; Clarita Dinkel and husband Melvin of Hays, Elsie Ewing and husband L.D. of Hays, and Karen Pelzel and fiance Ray Irvin of Ellis, a brother; Jim Pelzel and wife Valeria of Wichita, seven grandchildren; Bill Dinkel of Hays, Chris Dinkel and wife Kim of Hays, Dane Ewing of Kansas City, KS, Cory Ewing of Hays, Holliann Stramel and fiance Trevor Calvin of Hays, Chase Stramel of Hays, and Clint Irvin of Hays, four great-grandchildren; Katie Dinkel, Joslyn Dinkel, Lincoln Calvin, and Briar Calvin, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Albertine, an infant son; Billy Pelzel, a granddaughter; Angela Ewing, two brothers; Leo and Alphonse Pelzel, and by seven sisters; Beatrice Haas, Alice Brungardt, Clara Hetzel, Irene Bollig, Edna Goetz, Marie Mermis, and Frances Koester.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Catharine, Kansas with Fr. Earl Befort officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Monday and from 8:30 am until 9:30 on Tuesday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street.  A parish vigil service will be at 6:30 pm on Monday at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to St. Catherine Cemetery or to Hospice of HaysMed, in care of the funeral home.  Condolences and memories of William may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Pelzel, please visit our floral store.