Frederick Anthony Giefer, Jr., 101, of Girard, died at 4:15 a.m., Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at Homestead Assisted Living Center in Girard.
Fred was born April 26, 1922, near South Mound, Kansas, a son of Frederick Anthony Giefer, Sr. and Mary Corene Johnston. He grew up and attended country school near South Mound before graduating from Parsons High School in Parsons, Kansas.
Fred married Marjorie Faye Bond on August 10, 1946, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church Rectory in South Mound. She preceded him in death on October 15, 2023, after 77 years of marriage. He and Marjorie moved to the family home on February 18, 1953, where Fred worked as a farmer before retiring in the early 90's. He continued to raise livestock for several years. Since he was a few months away from being 102 years old, Fred has seen a lot in his lifetime related to living on a farm in Southeastern Kansas. He was born at home with the help of a country doctor and has seen the advances in transportation, farming, and modern technology – including the application of rural electricity and modern plumbing.
Fred enjoyed his family and all the family activities, traveling with family, gardening, socializing with friends, playing cards, and many other interests. Most people would know that when they saw Fred they were sure he would have several jokes for the day and be happy to share them.
He and Marjorie were very active in the community. They both loved square dancing and playing cards with family and friends. He was a member of a number of organizations, including, the Brazilton Ruritan, AARP, PATH, Greenbush School Board, NO.7 Water District Board, St. Aloysius Historical Society, the Gazebo project at St. Aloysius, past chairman and vice-chairman of Crawford County Farm Bureau, and received all the Soil Conservation Awards available in the county. He also proudly recovered and helped maintain two historic cemeteries in Crawford County.
Fred is survived by five children, Danny Giefer, and his wife, Betty, of Emporia, David Giefer of Girard, Kenneth Giefer, and his wife, Cheryl, of Girard, Nancy Roark, and her husband, Richard, of Joplin, and Robert Giefer, and his wife, Sharon, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; 14 grandchildren; 19 greatgrandchildren; his brother, George Giefer of Springfield, Missouri; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
In addition to his wife, Fred was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles Giefer, John Giefer, William Giefer, and Richard Giefer; his sisters, Anna Marie Richards, Betty Waas, Dorothy Burgess, and Mary Coreen Giefer.
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, February 27, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Girard with Fr. Daniel Vacca as Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Aloysius Cemetery at Greenbush, Kansas. The Rosary will be at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, February 26, at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard where the family will receive friends following the Rosary. Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 26, at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Angels Among Us, Pittsburg State University Caring Society School of Nursing, and the American Cancer Society. These may be left at the church or the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W St. John, Box 258, Girard, 66743.
