James L. 'Jim' Fieler, 87, Hays, died Friday, March 7, 2025 at HaysMed.
He was born July 7, 1937 in Batesville, Indiana, the son of Lawrence and Ruth (Sowder) Fieler. In 1955, he graduated from Batesville High School, and on September 29, 1956 he was united in marriage to Edgena M. “Jean” Lamping in Oldenburg, Indiana. They celebrated over 66 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on May 7, 2023. Jim worked as a claims branch manager for American States Insurance. He was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he was an usher at the 5:00 mass for many years. He was also a member of the Schoenchen Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #4166 and the Eagles Lodge where he was past president. With a love for the outdoors, Jim enjoyed fishing and hunting with family and friends, which included annual trips to Wyoming. He enjoyed golfing, was proud of his hole-in-one in Ellis, and rarely missed morning coffee with his McDonald’s coffee club. For many years, he would help with summer wheat harvests and in recent years looked forward to Sunday drives in the country.
Survivors include his son, Kevin Fieler and wife Kay of Shawnee, two daughters, Amy Luebbers and husband Jeff and Dawn Keil and husband Steve, all of Hays, a daughter-in-law, Carol Fieler of Schoenchen, his sister, Connie Schutte and husband Denis of Batesville, Indiana, nine grandchildren, Jade Herl and husband Justin, Jonathan Fieler and wife Brandie, Mallory Bibens and husband Ryan, Chelsea Mauler and husband Trent, Heidi Gerhard, Hannah Dreiling and husband Dane, Cody Luebbers and wife Jenna, Alyssa Keil, and Jenna Luebbers, and 16 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jean, a son Keith Fieler, and a daughter Lisa Ann Fieler.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Monday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Tuesday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A parish vigil service will be at 6:30 pm followed by a Third Degree Knights of Columbus rosary on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Holy Family Elementary School, or for masses. Condolences and memories of Jim may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com