Eugene J. Gene Pelz

Pelz, Eugene J. “Gene”, 87, of Goddard, KS, owner and operator of Siesta Lounge, began to enjoy eternal life and met his heavenly father on Thursday, March 17, 2011. Rosary, 7 p.m., Sunday, March 20; Funeral Mass, 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 21, both at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Eugene was born in Ost (St. Joe), KS on January 13, 1924, the third of ten children to John and Caroline Pelz. He was a founding member of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Goddard. He also served as a 4th degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. Eugene served as Cub Scoutmaster in Pack 19, Quivera Council, St. Joseph, Wichita. He was chosen to serve as senior scout leader for Camp Philmont, New Mexico. In 1945, Eugene began 30 years of service as an active lector and usher at St. Francis of Assisi. He was a graduate of Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio, and then attended St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana. He was also an alumnus of Oklahoma State University and the Wichita State University. Eugene also helped more than sixteen troubled youth become good, law-abiding and productive citizens. After traveling around the country and furthering his education, he began working at Midwestern Industries as a Production Planner and a Shipping Supervisor, until opening his own electronics business on West 54 Highway. Eugene built the Siesta Steak and Lounge in 1960. It became famous for its steaks and salads and had customers from most every state. His laughter and generous good nature will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. Eugene is survived by his sisters, Julietta Seiler, Bernadette (Jay) Kelley, Pauline (Darwin) Russell, and brother Aloysius (Ruthe) Pelz. Preceded in death by parents, John and Caroline (Heimerman); brothers, John, Edward, and Virgil; sisters, Mary Jo (Seiler), Othilia (Robben), nephews John Pelz, Jorge Kelley, Tom Seiler, Gerard Seiler, and James Kelley, manager of Siesta Lounge for over thirty years, and niece Michelle Robben. Gene is also survived by nieces and nephews Janice Mason, Dennis Robben, Duane Robben, Paulette May, Diane Patrick, Monty Pelz, Cheryl Williams, Ronald Pelz, Mary Rose Jirak, Ruth Korecki, Daniel Seiler, Rebecca Dugan, Donna Quaney, Judy Seiler, Jane Gorges, Victoria VanBecelaere, Steven Pelz, Gilbert Seiler, Jr., Dr. Gregory Seiler, Gordon Seiler, Guy Seiler, Gary Seiler, Gwen Martin, Gail Scheuler, Gavin Seiler, Joyce Perlman, John Kelley, Justin Kelley, Joel Kelley, Jeff Kelley, Jean Kelley, Jolinda Kelley, Jared Kelley, Debra Tomlin, Aloysius Pelz, II, Yvette Maple, Alan Pelz, Alex Pelz, Denise Malski, Diana Russell, and Douglas Russell. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Church of the Holy Spirit, 18218 W. Highway 54, Goddard, KS 67052 and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202. Downing Lahey Mortuary West. Rosary, 7 p.m., Sunday, March 20, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church