CLAFLIN — Richard J. Feist, 87, passed away at Ellinwood District Hospital on Sept. 12, 2025. Born in Great Bend, Kan. on Dec. 1, 1937 he was the son of Anthony and Eva (Christoph) Feist. Richard graduated from Claflin HS in 1955 and began working as a farmer/rancher at a very young age. He married Louetta Debes on Nov. 4, 1966 in Odin, Kan. 

Memberships include Immaculate Conception Church in Claflin and Ellinwood St. Joseph Council #1187 Knights of Columbus.

Survivors include wife of nearly 60 years Louetta Feist, Claflin, Kan.; children, Johanna Mittman (Greg), Wichita, Kan., Bernadine Feist, Anacortes, Wash., Andrew Feist, New Port News, Va.; grandchildren, Deven Mittman, Wichita, Kan. and Erin Mittman, Brooklyn, N.Y.; and brother Martin Austin, Minn. Richard was preceded in death by siblings, Elva Feist, Marilee Huslig, Catherine Doll, Fritz Feist, Linus Feist, Tony Feist, Marvin Feist, Lawrence Feist, and Sam Feist.

Memorial Mass will take place 10 a.m., Friday, Sept. 19 at Immaculate Conception Church in Claflin, Kan. with Father Benjamin Dande officiating. Family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until the service begins. Inurnment will follow at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery. Vigil service will be 7 p.m. Thurs. Sept. 18 at Immaculate Conception Church. Memorials are suggested to Immaculate Conception Church or Saints Peter & Paul Church in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Minnis Chapel

P.O. Box 246

Ellinwood, KS 67526

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 16, 2025