Alan James Vonfeldt, 65, of Russell, Kansas, passed away at his home with his loving family by his side. After facing several strokes and enduring cancer, God called Alan home on Thursday, November 27th 2025. Alan was born January 26, 1960 in Russell, the youngest of five children born to Roy P. and Velma C. (Stang) Vonfeldt. He grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in the Class of 1978.
Alan met the love of his life, Carmen Ptacek, in high school and they were united in marriage on August 24, 1985. This union was blessed with three children; Matthew, Morgan and Michael. They made their home in Russell, living in town and later moving to the country.
Following in his father's footsteps from an early age, Alan owned his first oil well as a high school student. He took pride in drilling and producing Russell County oil. Alan loved the chase of striking oil; seizing every opportunity to expand and share the passion with his next generation.
The center of Alan’s life was his wife and family. Alan loved making memories with them by taking trips, sharing meals, attending concerts and time at the lake. He found such joy in being “Papa” and watching his grandchildren grow. He enjoyed going to demo derbies, mud runs, car shows and races. He was big-hearted and kind; sharing a warm smile and many laughs with friends and family. Alan was fond of his shed, offering conversation and drinks to anyone who would walk through the door. He enjoyed sharing stories, especially those about the oilfield.
Even while facing tremendous challenges and setbacks in his health, Alan reassured his family without complaint. His steadfast courage will never be forgotten.
Surviving family include his wife of 40 years, Carmen of the home; sons, Matthew Vonfeldt (Jordyn) of Russell, Kansas, and Michael Vonfeldt (Sarah) of Russell, Kansas; daughter, Morgan Murphy (Lance) of Gorham, Kansas; brother, Steven Vonfeldt (Mary) of Russell, Kansas; sisters, Vicki Munday of Russell, Kansas and Diane Lindenmuth (Darwin) of Woodward, Oklahoma; and nine beloved grandchildren (Lorrayn, Hadley, Blayke, Ada, Whit, Evie, Dutton, Callan and Griffin). Alan was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Velma Vonfeldt, and infant sister, Karen Vonfeldt.
Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, December 5, 2025 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church of Russell. Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Russell. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Thursday, December 4, 2025 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary. A Vigil and Rosary will be held at the St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Thursday evening at 7:00 PM. A memorial will be given to the Russell Play Park Fund. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.