Obituaries - Tuesday, April 21

Clifford “Delbert” Weaver

December 4, 1938 ~ April 20, 2026 (age 87) 87 Years Old

Clifford “Delbert” Weaver, 87, of Salina, KS, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026. He was born on December 4, 1938, in Belleville, KS, to Clifford C. and Faye (Bullen) Weaver.

Delbert was joined in marriage to Mary Earley in Belleville on August 6, 1961. He was a United States Army veteran and spent his career working for the City of Belleville, retiring from the Water Department after 45 years of service.

Survivors include his children, Linda Bauer (Andrew) of Warrensburg, MO, Debbie Kruszynski (Kyle), of McPherson, Kim Patterson (Darrin) of Salina, and Jeremy Weaver (Chelsea) of Salina; twelve grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; siblings, Frances Weaver of Salina, Donna Tuma of Belleville, Mary Ann Bartz (Jan) of Lawrence, and Rick Weaver (Cheryl) of Carl Junction, MO; and sisters-in-law, Beate Earley of Salina and Marilyn Earley of Montana.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 59 years, Mary; son, Dennis Weaver; sister, Diana Kinzie; and brothers-in-law, Donald Earley, Jr, Larry Tuma, Robert Earley, and Marvin Earley (Ramona).

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, April 24, 2026, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina. The funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 25, at First Church of the Nazarene, Salina, with a graveside service following at 2:30 p.m. at the Belleville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.), care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St, Salina, KS 67401.

Ryan Mortuary

Lyle Lee Riffel

October 21, 1942 ~ March 31, 2026 (age 83) 83 Years Old

It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the peaceful passing of Lyle Lee Riffel, aged 83, on March 31, 2026, in the comfort of his home in Salina, Kansas, surrounded by the warmth and love of his devoted family.

Born on October 21, 1942, in the quiet town of Hope, Kansas, Lyle was a beacon of light and laughter to all who knew him. He was the beloved son of Hannah Sader and Clayton Riffel and was lovingly raised by his father, Clayton, and mother, Betty Riffel. His early years were spent surrounded by the expansive fields of Kansas, where he developed a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life.

Lyle was a man of many talents and interests. He began his education in the towns of Navarre and Chapman, where he cultivated a love for learning and adventure. His career took him down diverse paths; he was a dedicated truck driver, hauling various loads across the heartland of America, and a skilled carpenter who left his mark by building homes in Kansas and Wyoming. Each task he undertook was done with integrity and an unwavering work ethic, qualities that earned him the respect and admiration of his peers.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Lyle was a man of the people, known for his kindness and generosity. His ornery and adventurous spirit was infectious, endearing him to all who had the pleasure of crossing his path. He had a remarkable ability to make others feel cherished and valued, always ready with a smile or a helping hand.

Lyle's life was rich with family and cherished moments. He was predeceased by his mother, Hannah; father, Clayton; stepmother, Betty; his brother, Loney Riffel; and his beloved life partner, Virginia Riffel, with whom he shared countless joyful years. He leaves behind a loving family who will continue to celebrate his legacy: siblings Norman (Joyce) Riffel of Phoenix, AZ; Ronald (Hazel) Riffel of Garden Ridge, TX; Carolyn (David) Price of Manhattan, KS; and Kevin (Elizabeth) Riffel of Meriden, KS. His children, Christina Thayer, Anthony Riffel, and Angela (Jason) Peck, carry forward his spirit of adventure and love. Lyle was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren—Savanna (Joseph) Riffel, Celeste (Dustin) Chapman, Mackaylee Thayer, AJ Thayer, Quintin (Aubrianna) Peck, and Mercedez Dickey—He was also a cherished great-grandfather to eight great-grandchildren who brought him endless joy and pride.

In his leisure time, Lyle enjoyed watching Kansas State football, a pastime that brought him much delight, especially when shared with family. His backyard was often filled with the scent of barbecue, laughter, and the comforting presence of loved ones gathered around, creating memories that will be fondly cherished by all.

As we say goodbye to Lyle, we hold onto the lessons he imparted through his actions: to be kind, to embrace life's adventures, and to treasure the moments spent with those we love. His spirit will continue to guide and inspire us, and his presence will be sorely missed but lovingly remembered.

A celebration of Lyle's life will be held May 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Faith Lutheran Church in Abilene, KS, where family and friends will gather to honor his memory and share in the stories that defined his extraordinary journey. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to 616 N Ottawa St, Minneapolis, KS 67467, spreading the kindness and generosity that Lyle so effortlessly embodied.

May Lyle Lee Riffel rest in peace, knowing his life was a testament to love, resilience, and the enduring power of family.

Ryan Mortuary

George Edward Basel

December 13, 1929 - April 17, 2026

George E. Basel of Abilene, Kansas, passed into paradise on Friday, April 17, 2026.

He was born on December 13, 1929 in Eureka, Kansas, the son of John Harvey and Mary Anna Johana (Hoefler) Basel.

George grew up and attended school in the Holton Area. He graduated with the class of 1947 from Wetmore Rural High School in Nemaha County.

He worked in construction which took him to Washington, Kansas, where he met the love of his life, June L. Dickson. They were married on March 19, 1949. To this union, three sons were born, Donald, Gary, and Larry.

George was employed by the local food store, Boggarts Fine Foods. He worked his way up in the company, then took a transfer to their warehouse in Concordia, Kansas. He advanced from loading to delivery. He liked driving those 18 wheelers. His time with the company was from 1952 until his retirement in 1992.

He was a good friend, brother, father, and uncle. He liked most sports but football became his favorite.

He was baptized as a Christian Witness and was a member of the First Christian Church in Concordia.

He also like fishing, boating and spending lots of time with family.

Survivors include his three sons, Don (Cindy) Basel, Gary Basel, and Larry (Nancy) Basel; five grandchildren; eight step grandchildren; a number of great great grandchildren; siblings, Louise Bickford, Harlan Basel, Walt Basel, Evelyn Vincent.

He was preceded in death by his wife, June L. Dickson; parents, John and Mary Basel; sisters, Mae Elizabeth Basel, Rovida Colton, Dorthy Cox; brothers, John H. Basel, Jr., Anthony Basel, Daniel Basel, Arthur Basel, Charles Basel, Roy Basel; and daughter-in-law, Mary D. Basel.

George’s wishes were to be cremated and no visitation will take place.

Burial will take place at a later date at the Morrowville City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Morrowville City Cemetery, in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home. 

Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home

Norbert "Norb" Lee Pfannenstiel

June 17, 1931 - April 9, 2026

Norbert Lee Pfannenstiel, 94, of Salina, Kansas, passed away Thursday, April 9th, at Eaglecrest Retirement Community.

Norb was born in Hays, Kansas on June 17, 1931, a son of Philomena (Leiker) and Celestine Pfannenstiel.

He attended St. Joseph Military Academy in Hays, Kansas, now known as Thomas More Prep.

On June 1, 1953, Norb married Dolores "Jeanie" (Werth) Pfannenstiel in Schoenchen, Kansas. After raising their children in Norton, they moved to Salina where they spent the last 40 + years.

Norb proudly served as Quartermaster Staff Sergeant in the United States Army from 1952 – 1954.

He was a dedicated businessman with Duckwall's, Coast to Coast Hardware, True Value Hardware, Archer Petroleum, and Laboratory Corporation of America. He was also a Senator with the Junior Chamber of Commerce International and an active member of the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International.

His faith was central to his life. He was a member of Emmanuel Christian Center, where he led Home Group Bible Studies and served faithfully as a church usher, greeter, and member of the Men’s Group.

Prayers were sent up every morning during his devotions with Jeanie. He continued his morning devotions even after Jeanie passed. Norb’s love for the Lord could always be seen through his kind, gentle, sweet spirit in all his relationships with others. He truly wanted others to know and love the Lord as well.

Survivors include his two daughters, Cynthia Meter (David), of Great Bend, Debra Thompson (James), of Olathe; and his son, Kevin Pfannenstiel, of Irving, Texas.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brent Meter (Laura), of Overland Park, Blake Pfannenstiel, of Aurora, Colorado, Brianna Kunze(Jason), of Wamego, and Katrina McKee (Ryan), of Aurora, Colorado; and 3 great grandchildren, Gannon, Keely, Jase.

Norb is also survived by five sisters, Esther Wasinger, of Hays, Louise Dechant, of Liebenthal, Rosie Werth, of Hays, Charlene Werth, of Hays, Sandra Keil, of Hays, and his brother, Clifford Pfannenstiel, of Hays.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dolores "Jeanie" Pfannenstiel; son, Steven Pfannenstiel; brothers, Harvey Pfannenstiel, Lester Pfannenstiel, Terrence Pfannenstiel; sisters, Agnes Pfannenstiel, Theresa Pfannenstiel, and Marie Gabel.

Norb's wishes were to be cremated.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Emmanuel Church in Salina, Kansas with Pastor Blaine Herron officiating.

The family requests donations to Emmanuel Church, in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home.

Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home