Clarence Charles Pfeifer, age 91, of WaKeeney, KS, formerly of St. Peter, KS, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney.
Clarence was born on October 7, 1933, in St. Peter to Frank J. and Catherine (Dinkel) Pfeifer.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army, assigned to Charlie Battery, 9th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Missile Battalion during the Cold War era. He was stationed at the Presidio in San Francisco, CA. After completing his service, he returned home to St. Peter, where he spent many years working alongside his father and brothers at Pfeifer Service Station.
On May 7, 1958, Clarence married the love of his life, Thelma Zerr, at the Catholic Church in Park, KS. They recently celebrated 67 wonderful years of marriage in May 2025.
Clarence loved his family deeply. He also loved farming and spent many years working the land. He enjoyed visiting with customers at the service station, always ready for a good conversation. He had a passion for collecting antique tractors.
Clarence was a lifelong member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in St. Peter and later joined Christ the King Catholic Church in WaKeeney. He was a proud member of the 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus and lived out his faith with quiet strength and service.
He is survived by his wife, Thelma, and their children: Arnold Pfeifer of Englewood, CO; Jeanetta McDonald of Hays, KS; Randall Pfeifer (Michelle) of Hill City, KS; Leon Pfeifer (Beverly) of Hays; Terry Pfeifer of Prague, OK; and Norman Pfeifer (Renee) of Littleton, CO.
He was a proud grandfather to Michael McDonald (Julie), Tyler McDonald, Bre Patton (Jeff), Ryan Pfeifer (Kristen), Marcus Pfeifer (Anissa), Eric Pfeifer (Kiley), Stephanie Black (Kevin), Adam Pfeifer (Brooke), Kyle Pfeifer (Baylee), Timothy Pfeifer, and Derek Pfeifer. Clarence also leaves behind 16 great-grandchildren; his brother, Lloyd Pfeifer (Linda); sisters, Caroline Flax and Catherine Heier (Felix); sisters-in-law, Anna Pfeifer, Alfreda Pfeifer, and Rosalie Pfeifer; along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Albert Pfeifer, Alvin Pfeifer, and Allen Pfeifer; and sisters, Helen Zimmerman and Pauline Zerr.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N 12th St., WaKeeney, KS, with the Rosary prayed at 7:00 p.m.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 412 N 9th St., WaKeeney, KS. Interment will follow at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at WaKeeney at approximately 11:15 a.m. A small repast will be held at Christ the King Parish Hall following the committal, where family and friends are invite