Augustine "Francis" Vonfeldt

Augustine “Francis” Vonfeldt passed away on October 10, 2022, in the Anthology of Olathe Assisted Living in Olathe, Kansas at the age of 90. Francis was born on November 13, 1931, to August and Celestine (Kinderknecht) Vonfeldt in Gorham, Kansas. He was united in marriage to Shirley A. (Robben) Vonfeldt on August 22, 1951, in Gorham. The couple was blessed with four children: Roger, Karen, Keith, and Alan.

Francis grew up in Gorham where he graduated from Gorham High School in 1949. He worked as an oilfield mechanic for many years and eventually owned Oilfield Engine Services in Plainville. He was hard working, enjoyed people, and never turned down a time to lend a helping hand. Francis was highly involved in Alcoholics Anonymous as a recovering alcoholic sponsor, and also a member of the Knights of Columbus as a 4th degree Knight. There was always coffee to be drank and friends to visit with at Crawford’s, Fish Frys to assist and enjoy at the K of C, and cards to be played at the Ponderosa. Francis also enjoyed being in the outdoors enjoying a round of golf, fishing, hunting and boating across Kansas and Colorado, or soaking up the warmer winters in Rio Hondo, Texas.

Francis was a man who loved his Lord, Jesus Christ, and passed that love on to his family so it would continue to grow and be nurtured in their lives. Let Matthew 22:37-39 be a constant reminder, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. “This is the first and great commandment. “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself”. The legacy of the strength, love, and encouragement Francis has shown others will always be in our hearts and memories.

Francis is survived by his wife, Shirley Vonfeldt of Olathe, KS; children, Roger (Karen) Vonfeldt of Pullman, WA, Karen Adams of Olathe, KS, Keith (Stacey) Vonfeldt of Wichita, KS, and Alan (Pamela) Vonfeldt of Andover, KS; siblings, Rosemary Bahr of Sterling, CO, GL Vonfeldt of Larned, KS, Steve (Peggy) Vonfeldt of Auburn, WA, Dennis (Judy) Vonfeldt of Dover, NH; sisters-in-law, June Denning of Plainville, KS, Lil (Ken) Hoffman of Sacramento, CA, Louise Robben of Victoria, KS, Doris Robben of Victoria, KS; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, August and Celestine Vonfeldt; brothers, Gervas Leo, Robert (Belva) Vonfeldt; sisters, Viola (Harvey) Walton, Agatha (Fred) Gross, Augusta (Bob) Nunn; brother-in-law, Ed Bahr; sister-in-law, Shirley Vonfeldt; mother and father-in-law Francis and Josie Robben; brothers-in-law, Norbert Robben, Chuck Robben, Kenny Robben; and sister-in-law, Natilie Shumacher.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at 10:30 AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Visitation will be on Friday from 2 PM until 5 PM at the funeral home and will be moved to the church at 6 PM until 8 PM with a Vigil Service and Rosary at 7PM.

Memorials are suggested to Donor’s Choice and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St., Plainville, KS 67663.