Charles G. Fiffe

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2008, at St. Xavier's Catholic Church for Charles Gerard Fiffe, 83, Junction City. Fr. Al Brungardt will officiate. Burial will follow the service at St. Mary's Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, September 30, 2008, at St. Xavier's Catholic Church with a vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Fiffe passed away Saturday, September 27, 2008, at Geary Community Hospital. Memorial contributions may be given to the Charlie Fiffe Scholarship; St. Xavier's Parish Foundation; J.C. Booster Club or Knights of Columbus c/o Penwell-Gabel Johnson Funeral Chapel, 203 N. Washington Street Junction City, Kansas 66441.

Charles Gerard Fiffe was born on March 21, 1925 on a farm in Aurora, KS to Alfred A. and Marie Louise (Collette) Fiffe. The family moved from the family farm to Salina, KS where he attended Sacred Heart Schools.

He served with the United States Marine Corp during World War II from June of 1943 to April of 1946. After his military service he attended Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, KS. While earning his teaching degree, he played basketball earning All American Honors, All District Honors and was the first player in the schools history to earn All Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference 4 straight years.

He married his beloved wife Isabelle on November 25, 1950 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Salina, KS she preceded him in death October 31, 1992.

He came to Junction City High School in the fall of 1950 where he devoted his entire career as a Business Teacher, Coach and Mentor to the students of Junction City High School for 38 years. Throughout his career he served as; Head Golf Coach, Head Basketball Coach, Cross Country Coach, Girl's Volleyball Coach and Assistant Football Coach. Charles also served as score keeper for Boy's Basketball and was a Driver's Education teacher during the summer months for 33 years. In May of 1996 he had the distinction of having the south gymnasium of Junction City High School named in his honor.

In his retirement years he enjoyed attending daily mass, golfing and spending time with family and friends. He was a member of Saint Xavier's Catholic Church where he served as Sacristan for many years. He was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, a member of the Retired Teacher's Association of Junction City and the American Legion.

He is survived by a brother; Alfred and wife Irene Fiffe of Hutchinson, KS, sister; Gladys Smith of Atlanta, GA, his children; Collette and husband Steve Matthews, Laurie and husband Clifford Crites II all of Junction City, KS, Diane White of Lawrence, KS, Jon Pierre and wife Sandra Fiffe of Chapman, KS, Marie and husband Greg Larsen of Omaha, NE, his grandchildren; Dana Matthews, Michelle and husband Reid Begnoche, Leslie, Nicole and Steven Matthews, Amber, Kristin and Clifford Crites III, Jennifer White and David White, Jessica and husband Nathan Oshel, Kyle, Mallory and Ryan Larsen, his great-grandchildren; Alyssa Crites and Madison Oshel and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers; Romaine Fiffe and Gerald Fiffe, his sister; Dorothy Rome and son-in-law; Charles White.

He will be remembered for his sense of humor and devotion to his faith and family.