Peter J. Billinger

Peter J. "Junior" Billinger, passed away on October 16, 2024, at the age of 90 in Hays, Kansas. Born on March 4, 1934, in Hays, to Peter and Martha (Kuntzsch) Billinger.

Pete devoted his life to his family, his faith. He was not only an entrepreneur who owned and operated his own printing company but also a man deeply committed to the Catholic faith, serving his community as an active member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.

A devoted husband, Peter, first married Carol June (Ernst) on June 24, 1953 in Hays. She preceded him in death on December 30, 1987. Peter was blessed to find companionship with Edna (Jacobs) Wolf Billinger and was married on April 12, 1996, in Russell, Kansas. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Edna, and their blended family, which includes his son Jeff Billinger and his wife Phyllis of Russell, Kansas; daughter, Beth Zweifel and her husband Bradley of Waldo, Kansas; a stepdaughter, Linda Thyfault of Hays, Kansas; and two stepsons, Wesley Wolf and his wife Carolyn of Yoder, Kansas, and Terry Wolf of Hays, Kansas. He also leaves behind his step daughter-in-law, Betty Wolf of Hays, Kansas, as well as the joy of fifteen grandchildren and twenty-nine great-grandchildren.

Peter's educational journey took him through St. Joseph's Military Academy, from which he graduated in 1952. This foundation instilled in him the values of discipline and commitment, qualities that were evident in every aspect of his life. His passion extended beyond his professional endeavors; he found pleasure in yard work, flower gardening, and maintaining a pristine fishpond. His love for baseball led him to manage the Russell Babe Ruth Baseball program as well as coach the team for several years and was proud to be able to coach his son Jeff during that time.

Peter was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Robert and Donnie Billinger; infant sister, Anita; a step grandson, Kristopher Thyfault and a stepson, Rick Wolf and a step daughter-in-law, Karen Wolf.

Private family graveside services will be held in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Russell, Kansas.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Building Fund.

Words of comfort may be shared on Peter’s tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

Services in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock’s Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.