HOISINGTON — Donald J. “Don” Reif, 67, died Feb. 10, 2015, at Via Christi Hospital St. Francis in Wichita.
Born June 15, 1947, in Great Bend, he was the son of James and Laura (Debes) Reif. Don graduated from Hoisington High School in 1965 and then attended Pittsburg State University. In January of 1968, he was united in marriage to Debbie Boxberger. He later married Eudora Lamkins Demel on March 2, 1996, in Great Bend. A lifetime resident of Barton County he was a farmer and a stockman. He was the owner and operator of Reif Oil Companies, and had formerly worked for Northern Natural Gas in Bushton. Don was also an auctioneer working, for Schremmer Auction and Realty.
Mr. Reif served in the Army Reserves. He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 268 in Hoisington, the Knights of Columbus Council No. 1521 and was a Shriner with the Midian and Isis Shrine.
Survivors include his wife, Eudora; children, Keith Reif and wife London and Terry Reif and wife Anita, all of Hoisington, Greg Demel and wife Pattie, Wichita; and Darren Demel, Goddard; sisters, Marilyn Hitz, Hudson; and Anita Ellison, Great Bend; grandchildren, Bradley, Brooke, Brady, and Brennley Reif, Mallory and Gabrielle Reif, and Molly and Emily Demel; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Debbie Reif; and a granddaughter, Claire Demel.
Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at Nicholson-Ricke Chapel, led by the Knights of Columbus. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, celebrated by Father Anselm Eke. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Beaver. Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children or the St. Joseph Cemetery Fund in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home*
PO Box 146
Hoisington KS, 67544
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 12, 2015