Ralph Joseph Pfeifer, Sr.

Ralph Pfeifer

August 21, 1936 — March 7, 2026

Beloved husband, father, educator, mentor, and friend

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

Ralph Pfeifer, 89, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on March 7, 2026. The evening before his passing, he was surrounded by his loving family, sharing stories, music, and prayer. He was blessed to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and the prayers of the Church as he prepared for his journey home to God.

Ralph was born in Hays, Kansas, on the family farm to Jacob and Regina Pfeifer. One of fourteen children, he was the eleventh born in a family of thirteen siblings, growing up in a large and close-knit family where hard work, faith, and caring for one another were central to daily life. In that home, faith, family, and hard work were inseparable—values Ralph carried with him throughout his life.

He graduated from Hays High School and continued his education at Kansas State University, where he studied business administration and physical education. While at Kansas State, Ralph played football as a fullback and became widely known for his strength, determination, and athletic ability, setting a notable record during his time there. His performance attracted professional attention, leading to his being drafted by the Detroit Lions while also receiving interest from the San Francisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers. He continued his football career in Canada, playing for the Edmonton Eskimos and the Toronto Argonauts.

On June 7, 1958, Ralph married the love of his life, Ruth Pfeifer, and together they shared 67 years of marriage, building a family rooted in faith and love. Ralph was a faithful husband and devoted father.

Professionally, Ralph dedicated his life to education and the development of young people. He began his career as an educator and later served in school leadership as assistant principal at Oberon Junior High School in Arvada, Colorado. After moving to Olathe, Kansas, he served as principal of Millbrook Junior High School, helped open Oregon Trail Junior High School, and later became the lead educator at the Olathe Juvenile Detention Center. There he continued mentoring and guiding young people until his retirement in 2000, concluding 40 years of service in education.

Ralph also spent 30 years teaching driver’s education, helping generations of young drivers gain confidence and responsibility behind the wheel. Throughout the years he remained deeply involved with Olathe Parks and Recreation, serving as a sports referee, umpire, and supervisor of athletic events, encouraging athletes of all ages and supporting community youth programs.

Known for his joyful spirit and humility, Ralph loved people and never missed an opportunity to celebrate others’ milestones or offer encouragement during difficult times. His warmth, laughter, and genuine interest in others made him a friend to many.

A man of deep faith, Ralph was a devoted member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Olathe from 1970 until 2026. He received all of his sacraments in the Catholic Church and served the parish as a lector, faithfully participating in the life of the Church and the celebration of the Mass.

Ralph is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth Pfeifer; his children Debbie Hodnik (Joe Hodnik), Ralph Pfeifer Jr. (Lori Miller), and Jacque Pfeifer Moffitt (Mike Moffitt); his grandchildren Sarah Walsh (Kevin Walsh), Kristen Dorsey (Kyle Dorsey), Kelsey Carney (Brendan Carney), and Annalise Tinker (Joe Tinker); and his great-grandchildren Luke, Addie, Levi, and Genevieve Walsh; Zoey, Mack, and Owen Carney; and Louis Tinker, all of whom brought him immense joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents and twelve of his thirteen siblings. He is survived by one remaining sibling, his sister Alice, age 96.

The Rosary will be prayed at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, 21650 W. 115th Street, Olathe, KS 66061. Burial will take place at a later date with family.

A Celebration of Life reception will follow the Funeral Mass at Blue Moose Restaurant, 10064 Woodland Road, Lenexa, KS 66220.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Paul Catholic Church Building Fund.

Ralph’s life was a reflection of faith, kindness, laughter, and service, carried forward in the lives of the family, students, athletes, and friends he influenced.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in the peace of Christ until we meet again in the Kingdom of God.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Requiescat in Pace

(May he rest in peace)