Vernon “Vern” Leo Pfeifer, August 20, 1936 – September 29, 2024, was the first born child to Catherine Ann (Lattigan) and Leo Joseph Pfeifer. The extended family called Vern “Sonny” as he is still known today.
Vern was born in Hays, Kansas, where he spent his first five years, the family then moved to Arlington, Nebraska, followed by Aurora, Kansas, where he attended Aurora High School. By 1948, he had five siblings, all of which remained close throughout the years.
Vern enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1954 and immensely enjoyed his 5 years in the service. He was stationed in England and Germany where he met Hermine Wise and fathered his only child, Ruth Carol. Vern brought his new little family back to the United States late 1958, temporarily settling in Concordia, Kansas, where his parents and siblings then lived. After a few years in Salina, Kansas, he relocated his wife and child to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he stayed for over 10 years. During his time in Colorado, Vern became a real estate agent. Garden City, Kansas, became his forever home over 48 years ago when he returned to build a home for a local couple. After building two homes he worked for a local contractor until he had an opportunity to head the maintenance department at St. Catherine’s Hospital. During his time there, he met the love of his life, Cathy Adams.
Dancing brought Cathy and Vern together, they went to many polka fests in Kansas and Colorado, waltzing and dancing polkas for hours on end. Raised on German accordion music Vern was a self-taught, talented accordion player who often sat-in with local musicians at local events. He also enjoyed playing at family reunions with his brother-in-law Leon and nephews, Michael and Jay.
Vern was a faithful member of St. Dominic Catholic Church, a steadfast volunteer and board member of Emmaus House for many years, and a member of the Knights of Columbus for several years.
He is survived by his partner, Catherine Adams; daughter, Ruth “Carol” Ferrari (David); sister, Verna Lee Musselman (Leon); sister, Patricia Ardissone; brother, Leonard; brother, Alpha (Karen); step-granddaughters, Alexandra Ferrari (Dave Lyons), Raquel Ferrari-Perri (Kyle Perri); great-step-grandson, Redd Perri and many nieces and nephews. Vern was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Catherine and brother, Elmer.
Funeral Mass was held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 3 at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Garden City with Fr. Ben Green as Celebrant. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials given to the Emmaus House in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be given at garnandfuneralhomes.com.
