Bernard Katzfey

Bernard Martin Katzfey, 91, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, KS, surrounded by his children.

Bernard was born on March 19, 1934 on the prairie outside Pierce City, MO., son of Joseph and Anna (Witt) Katzfey. One of thirteen children, he grew up farming and working to support the family. On February 11, 1956, he married Rayma Darlene Jacobs in Sarcoxie, MO, who preceded him in death earlier this year, on Jan. 2, 2025. Together they have four children, Mike (Anne) Katzfey, Kansas City, KS, Lisa (Craig) Fiegel, Overland Park, KS, Keri (Scott) Schoessel, Naples, FL, Julie (J R) Rigg, Lawrence; nine grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Other survivors include a twin sister, Bernardine (Jim) Adamson, Sarcoxie, MO.

In addition to Bernard and Bernardine sharing a birthday on March 19th, he also has twin granddaughters and a great-granddaughter born on the same date.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers (Clarence, Francis, Leo, Joseph, Lawrence, Edmund, and infant Richard), sisters (Emma, Louise, Marie, and Anna Mae), and a great-granddaughter, Elle Turlip.

Bernard was a hard working and devoted husband and father. He worked in skilled trades at the Farmers Chemical Co. in Joplin, MO and two DuPont plants in Parsons, KS and Muncie, Indiana. He then spent 26 years at General Motors Fairfax plant in Kansas City, KS, retiring in 1997. Bernard was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Eudora and Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus.

‘Bernie’, as he was known to many, was an avid quail hunter while living in southwest Missouri. He didn't have a lot of hobbies, as taking care of and spending time with his growing family was his most important thing in life. He did enjoy an occasional dinner and dance with Darlene at the Hidden Acres Supper Club in Joplin, MO. They both also belonged to the local square dance club and would twirl away the night on a weekly basis. Bernie took pleasure in gardening, planting flowers, and working in his yard. He and Darlene loved to travel and went on numerous cruises. In 1998 they enjoyed a trip to Germany and a visit to Katzvey and Burg Satzfey, the area his ancestors were from. Oh, and he enjoyed the beer!

The family will greet friends on Friday, July 11th from 6-8pm, with a rosary recited at 6:00pm, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Eudora. Internment will follow at Holy Family Catholic Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials in his name to the American Heart Association, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044

For more information or to post a condolence go to https://rumsey-yost.com