Carolyn Jo Pfizenmaier

Carolyn Jo (Liby) Pfizenmaier-wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother-went home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, surrounded by her loving family. She was 77 years old. She was born on March 23, 1949 in Clay Center Kansas to Albert and Josephine (Gonser) Liby. Carolyn grew up in Morganville, Kansas, where she developed a lifelong love for the country, wildflowers, and the simple beauty found in nature. As a young woman, she left school to marry Carl Pfizenmaier and begin raising her family. Years later, she proudly earned her GED, reflecting the determination and quiet strength she carried throughout her life. Over the course of her life, Carolyn was blessed with eight children. She and her high school sweetheart, Carl Pfizenmaier, welcomed Renea, Dana, Darla, Corey, and Lori. She later welcomed Jessica and Lacy during her marriage to Harlin Jensen, and Krystal during her marriage to Kenneth Cyr. Each of her children held a special place in her heart, and together they became the family she treasured above all else.

She worked hard in many different roles over the years, including as a waitress, a manager at the Salina Journal, and, for a brief time, in construction. No matter where she worked, family remained at the center of her life. She especially treasured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and found great joy in spending time with them.

In a beautiful final chapter of her life, Carolyn and her high school sweetheart, Carl, found their way back to one another. On July 2, 2026, they renewed their union in a faith-filled ceremony officiated by their pastor. Though their second union was brief, it was deeply meaningful, and her family takes comfort in knowing she spent her final days reunited with her sweetheart. Carolyn’s life was firmly rooted in her faith in Jesus. Her faith guided her through every season and shaped the love and care she gave to others. She will also be remembered for her love of wildflowers, her beautiful fragrance, and the warm, comforting presence she brought wherever she went.

She is survived by her husband, Carl Pfizenmaier; and her children, Renea Oatney (Tobby) of Washington, Kansas; Dana Holle (Dennis) of Phoenix, Arizona; Corey Pfizenmaier (Arianne) of Clifton, Kansas; Lori Brumfield (Allen) of Clay Center, Kansas; Jessica Kueker (Ryan) of Wamego, Kansas; Lacy Wichers (Brett) of Beloit, Kansas; and Krystal Alquist (Jason) of Panama City, Florida. She is also survived by her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Delbert Liby and Dean Liby; her sisters, Maxine Pfizenmaier and Bernice Avery; her daughter, Darla; her grandson, Brady Mills; and her granddaughter, Chelsie Oatney.

Funeral services will be held at the Clay Center United Methodist Church on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 10:30 AM.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Carolyn Jo Pfizenmaier Memorial Fund and left in care of the funeral home

Although her absence leaves a space that can never be filled, her family finds comfort in knowing that her faith has carried her home. The love she shared, the lives she touched, and the example she set will remain with us always.