Edgar “Eddie” Joseph Phlieger passed away Monday, December 11, 2017 at Solomon Valley Manor in Stockton, Kansas at the age of 87. He was born on September 11, 1930 in Quinter, Kansas to the late Thomas Leonard and Matilda (Weigel) Phlieger. Having been unable to enlist in the United States Army at the age of 14, in order to join his brother during WWII, he was eventually drafted from 1951-1953 and entered the Korean Conflict. On October 13, 1955 he was married to Esther J. Gilbert in Plainville,Kansas. They were blessed with seven children. He and his family lived in the Denver, Colorado area where he worked for the Gates Corporation making tires before returning to Plainville in 1963. He then went to work for the City of Plainville as the Water Department Superintendent and retired in 1993.
Eddie was a man of many hobbies who loved to travel. He was into antique German and British cars, was an avid vegetable gardener, amateur geologist, fisherman, and made Indian and Mexican jewelry. One of his favorite places to go was Canada, and he enjoyed taking leisurely drives around Webster Lake. A man of strong faith, he was a daily attender of Mass and was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton, and past member of the V.F.W.
Eddie is survived by his wife Esther J. Phlieger of the home in Stockton; children Anthony Phlieger and wife Pat of Jacksonville, TX, Beth Brand and husband DeWayne of Kearney, NE, Joan Werth of Harlingen, TX, Michele Williamson and husband Kim of Tampa, FL, Laura Morris of Hays, Scott Phlieger and wife Dawn of Natoma, and James Phlieger wife Bobbie of Plainville; brother James “Jim” Phlieger and wife Bonnie of Jacksonville, TX; sisters Theresa Koehler of Hays, Lorraine Hessler and husband Don of Denver, CO, Virginia Kroos and husband Fred of Olathe; sister-in-law Norma Bard of Hays; sixteen grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Matilda Phlieger, brother Everett Phlieger, sister Rosemary Roberts, and brother-in-law Fred Koehler.
Eddie was a man who truly lived for God and Country. He loved spending time with his family and was always a trusted friend and a good neighbor. His life of deep faith and patriotism leaves a legacy of honor, character, and integrity that will continue to be passed on for generations to come.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am on Friday, December 15, 2017 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton. Inurnment will follow in the St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Friends may sign the guestbook from 1:00-7:00pm with Prayer Vigil at 6:00pm on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the St. Labre Indian Schools and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N 1st Street, Stockton, KS 67669.