Ralph F. Pitner, Jr., 82, Hays, died Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Via Christi Village, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born January 20, 1944 in Stratton, Nebraska, the son of Ralph F. and Tillie (Hafner) Pitner. Ralph was a graduate of Atwood High School with the class of 1962, and in 1967, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Arts from Fort Hays State University. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served during the Vietnam Era. He was stationed at El Paso, Texas and Germany as a radar tech with the HAWK Missile System.
On September 30, 1967, he was united in marriage to Shirley Erbert in Ellis. They celebrated 58 years of marriage. They lived in Atwood for many years before moving to Hays in 2020. Ralph managed the Atwood grain elevator then worked for NAPA Auto Parts and Woofter Construction, both in Colby. He was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Atwood, was a member of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church in Hays, the Atwood Knights of Columbus Council #3033, Atwood American Legion Post 0046, and the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Ralph enjoyed woodworking and graciously gave his wood turnings for others to enjoy. He was a devout Catholic, and for 20 years taught CCD students in Atwood, participated in church Bible study in Hays, and daily prayed the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet with his wife Shirley.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley, of Hays and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his half-sister, Connie Lemon.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Friday, May 15, 2026 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church with Fr. Damian Richards and Fr. Reginald Urban officiating. Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will follow in St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Thursday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Friday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A vigil service and Rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to St. Nicholas Knights of Columbus Council #10044, Hays VFW Post 9076 or for Masses. Condolences and memories of Ralph may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com