Gordon Holtfrerich
Gordon Holtfrerich, 80, died September 3, 2016 at his home in Dodge City. He was born on May 8, 1936 in Dodge City, the son of Charlie and Thelma (Gunkle) Holtfrerich.
Gordon attended school in Dodge City where he played football, basketball, and baseball in grade school, junior high, and high school. He graduated from Dodge City High School in 1954. Gordon played summer baseball for the American Legion after his junior year and for the Dodge City Rangers after his senior year. Gordon went on to further his education at Dodge City Community College where he received an Associate’s of Arts degree in 1956. He was then drafted into the U.S. Army in 1956. Gordon chose to enlist for years of active duty, two years of ready reserve, and two year on call. He completed his six year commitment in 1962.
On June 3, 1961, he married Elizabeth Jane Irsik. She preceded him in death on October 4, 1995. Gordon worked for May Rath Machine from 1959 to 1961, Speed King Manufacturing from 1962 to 1967. He also worked for Penn Life Insurance as an agent from 1967 to 1969 where he received Kansas Salesman of the year in 1967 and was in the top 25 in the nation in 1968. Gordon was hired by the Credit Union of Dodge City in 1969 as a loan officer. He retired in 2006 after 37 years.
He was an honorary member of, Third Degree Knight, Council 2955 of Dodge City, Vice President for Sacred Heart Home and School Association, Cub Scout Awards chairman for pack 162, secretary treasurer for DCCC boosters, and a charter member of DCCC athletic foundation.
Gordon is survived by two sons, Dr. Larry Holtfrerich of Overland Park and Charles Holtfrerich of West Lake Village, California; one daughter, Sheri Holtfrerich of Wichita; one brother, Maurice Holtfrerich of Tempe, Arizona; two sisters, Carol of Port Orchard, Washington and Karen of Holiday Island, Arkansas; and seven grandchildren, Kris, Karrington, Montana, Mercedes, Grant, Brandon, and Evan.
Graveside service will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City on Thursday September 8, 2016 at 10:00 AM. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home in Dodge City on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 from noon to 8:00 PM . Memorials are suggested to Sacred Heart School Endowment Fund in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.
