Wilbert D. Pfeifer

Wilbert D. Pfeifer, age 96, of Hays, Kansas passed away Friday, March 14, 2025, at Hays Medical Center. He was born June 9, 1928, in Victoria, Kansas, and was the oldest of nine children born to Daniel and Albina (Dreiling) Pfeifer. Wilbert married LeeAnn (Billinger) on May 23, 1949. Wilbert and LeeAnn have four children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; LeeAnn died in May 1980. Wilbert married Barbara (Byler) on December 6, 1980; they divorced in 1986. Wilbert married Shirley (Munson) on March 6, 1993; Shirley died in August 2022.

Wilbert graduated in 1946 from St Joseph Military Academy and completed the Industrial Arts Curriculum at Fort Hays State University under Ed Davis who was a big influence in Wilbert’s vocation. Wilbert began his career designing and building custom cabinets and millwork in 1947 when he was employed by Leiker’s Woodworking Shop. He purchased the Hays Planing Mill in 1957 which he owned until his retirement in 1993. His gift of carpentry design work graces many churches, businesses and homes throughout the area. For decades, Wilbert also created wooden sculptures and puzzles; something he was passionate about in his retirement. His most recent art accomplishment was his free-form metal sculpture displayed on the Fort Hays University Campus.

Wilbert was a True Son of Ellis County and Hays, Kansas. As a small business owner, and through volunteer commitments, Wilbert dedicated his life to making the community a better place for all who called Ellis County home. Wilbert was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and the Hays Rotary Club. Wilbert served on the Boards or in Executive positions for the following organizations: Ellis County Historical Society, Hays Chamber of Commerce, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Thomas More Prep-Marian, and Smoky Hill Country Club. He also served as a Director for both the Farmers State Bank and Commerce Bank of Hays. In addition to his active community involvement, Wilbert planned and assisted in the construction of the Volga German home. He also was in charge of the Boot Hill Historic Preservation project, and placement of historical markers in downtown Hays.

Wilbert is survived by his son, Richard Pfeifer and wife Karen; and their children, Sarah; Ross and wife Hannah; and their children, Grant and Ben; Katherine, and husband Terry; and their children, Luke and Millie, all of St. Louis, MO; his daughter, Janet Pfeifer of Carlsbad, CA; his son, Dale Pfeifer; and daughter, Leah of Shawnee, KS; his daughter, Lynne Bone and husband Rich; and their children, Chrisi and Michael all of Omaha, NE; his two brothers, Joseph Pfeifer and wife Mary Ellen; James Pfeifer and wife, Sheila, all of St. Louis, MO; his two sisters, Rose Ann James, of Albuquerque, NM; Susan Marie Haas of Denver, CO; and many nieces and nephews.

Wilbert was preceded in death by his wife, LeeAnn (Billinger) Pfeifer; his wife, Shirley (Munson) Pfeifer, his parents, Daniel and Albina Pfeifer; his brothers, Callistus Pfeifer and wife, Jeannine; Daniel Pfeifer and wife, Lorene; Michael Pfeifer and wife, Patricia; his brother-in-law, Frank Haas; and his sister, Helen Catherine.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM Saturday, March 29, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 13th and Ash Street, Hays, Kansas with celebrant, Father Fred Gatschet. The family will receive guests from 10:00 AM until service time at the church. Inurnment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays, Kansas.

“Wilbert, you impacted so many lives, made this world a better place and we will miss you.”

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials made payable to: TMP-Marian High School or St. Joseph Church, in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601. Condolences can be emailed to clineschapels@gmail.com or left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com