Helen Pfeiffer Obituary
HELEN LOUISE PFEIFFER
Helen Louise (Harvey) Pfeiffer, 94, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, in her home in Wichita, Kansas, surrounded by her loving family.
Helen was the first of two children born to Harold Harvey and Josephine Lois (Edmonston Harvey) Spangler on November 5, 1930, at the Harvey farm outside Protection, Kansas.
The family moved to California in 1933, residing in the LA suburbs of Pico and Whittier. Helen loved her years in California, often recalling watching movies in iconic theaters, spending time with friends at Knott's Berry Farm, and riding the carousel at the pier. When Helen was in 8th grade, her family moved back to Protection, Kansas, while she stayed in California to finish the school year.
After graduating from Ranchito Elementary, she boarded a train to travel to Kansas by herself, where she joined her family. She graduated from Protection High School in 1950. Helen married the love of her life, Glenn Pfeiffer, on June 30, 1951. The couple lived in many western Kansas towns through Glenn's work with Southwestern Bell until they eventually settled in Bucklin, Kansas, in 1965.
In Bucklin, they raised their family, developed many friendships, and were deeply involved in the Free Methodist Church. Helen loved to teach bible stories to children and was a regular Sunday school teacher. The couple moved to Newton, Kansas, in 2005, and became involved in the Newton Christian Church, Asbury Park, and the Newton Senior Center. They eventually moved to Wichita, KS, where they made special memories with their children and grandchildren.
Helen dedicated her life to creating a warm and nurturing home for her husband of almost 70 years and their four children. Helen's greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren deeply. Helen loved to travel with Glenn in their motor home and on bus tours, visiting 46 US states, Mexico, and Canada. Helen also enjoyed watching KU basketball, playing games like bingo and Phase 10, and doing puzzles.
Helen was preceded in death by her loving husband, Glenn, on May 6, 2021. She was also preceded in death by her father and mother, stepfather Clifford Spangler, brother Jesse Wayne Harvey, and two cherished sons, Glenn Lee Pfeiffer and Lloyd Gene Pfeiffer.
She is survived by two daughters: Dixie and husband Mike York of Greenwood, Indiana and Debbie and husband Tim Graber of Wichita, Kansas; and grandchildren Michael (Sara) York, Brandon (Allison) York, Lauren (Caleb) Zogleman, Jonathan Graber and Matthew Graber, and 5 great grandchildren-Gunnar and Sawyer York, Alexa and Skylar York, and Silas Zogleman.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Protection Christian Church in care of Broadway Mortuary, 1147 S. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67211.
Published by The Kansan from Sep. 25 to Sep. 27, 2025.