Walter H "Walt" Pfeiffer

Walter Herbert Pfeiffer, 86, of Topeka, Kansas, died March 7, 2014. He was born January 22, 1928 in Holton, Kansas, the son of William Pfeiffer and Louise (Hermann) Pfeiffer. Walter attended Holton High School and Clark's Business College. With the permission of his parents, he joined the Navy at the age of 17, serving at the end of World War II and during the Korean War. After receiving his discharge from the Navy, Walter enlisted in the Army Reserves, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. He served his country for 30 years. In 1951, he met the love of his life, Helen Schiefelbein. They were married September 27, 1952 at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, in Topeka, Kansas. They enjoyed over 60 years of marriage. He worked for the United States Post Office as a letter carrier for over 30 years, retiring January 31, 1987. He was a proud 57 year member of the National Association of Letter Carriers, AFL-CIO. He was a Fourth Degree and life member of the Knights of Columbus and a life member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, Lodge 555, serving as Governor for two years. Walt was also a member of the Highland Park Optimist Club, a BSA Webelos Leader for his sons Rick and Pat, a life member of the VFW Post 1650 and American Legion Post 400. He loved listening to music, watching western movies and eating German food. Walt enjoyed traveling and he and Helen spent much of their retirement exploring the United States. They also sailed the seas together enjoying many cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska. His favorite trip by far was a visit to his relatives in Germany. He is survived by his brothers Clarence (Lorna) Pfeiffer and Bill (JoAnn) Pfeiffer, children, Bruce (Kim) Pfeiffer, Diane Linder, Rick (Karen) Pfeiffer, Pat Pfeiffer and Lori Ogan, eight grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Helen, Sons-In-Laws Bobby Linder and Duane Ogan and granddaughter Jamie Linder. Walter will lie in state at Sacred Heart Catholic Church after 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11th with a 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Rosary and Chalice Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. and a Parish Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 12 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Walter's memory to Sacred Heart/St. Joseph Parish and Wounded Warriors Project sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66603. Fond memories and condolences may be left at brennanmathanfh.com.