Donald James Vonfeldt, 89, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Sunday, January 10, 2021 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.
Donald was born March 5, 1931 in Russell, Kansas, the son of Peter G. and Teresa (Wittman) Vonfeldt. He grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School.
Donald met, fell in love, and was united in marriage to Viola Katherine Kuhn on April 11, 1951 in Victoria, Kansas. This union was blessed with three children; Bonnie, Gary and Peggy. They made their home on a farm south of Russell. Viola preceded him in death on November 10, 2017.
Donald worked over 37 years before retiring from American Petrofina. He started out as a pumper and retired an Assistant Foreman. Then he started the Donald J. Vonfeldt Oil Company and became a full time farmer and rancher. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. His family was the center of his life and he especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Donald’s surviving family include his daughters, Bonnie Schwien (John) of Russell, Kansas and Peggy Pitcock (Tom) of Cunningham, Kansas; son, Gary Vonfeldt (Kathy) of Russell, Kansas; sister, Shirley Bellinder of Topeka, Kansas; six grandchildren, Toby Schwien (Samantha), Amber Farris (Gary), Travis Vonfeldt, Aimee Vonfeldt, Annie Weigel (Justin), and Taton Pitcock (Natosha); and ten great grandchildren, Jakob Schwien, Connor Schwien, Caitlyn Pitcock, Trenton Pitcock, Owen Pitcock, Hesston Pitcock, Aiden Pitcock, Adelyn Pitcock, Aubree Weigel and Brailey Weigel.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, wife Viola, brother Roy Vonfeldt, and sister Twila Carter.
Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, January 15, 2021 at the St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church. A private family committal will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Russell. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary. Vigil and Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM, Thursday evening at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Memorials have been established with the St. Mary’s Catholic Church or the St. Mary’s Handicap Fund. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.