DODGE CITY - Wilfred Charles Helfrich, 84, avid dancer, pool player and retired rancher and farmer, died Friday, June 16, 2023 surrounded by family at his home.

He was born on the family farm near Wright on February 24, 1939, the son of Alfred John and Mary Catherine (Strecker) Helfrich.  He was a graduate of St. Mary of the Plains High School and worked as a farmer and rancher throughout his life.

He was a member of the St. Andrew Church in Wright, Dodge City Senior Center, Sunflower Polka Club as well as a former Wright Coop board member and Grandview Township Trustee.

Survivors include: a son, Charles "Tony" Helfrich, Pratt; a daughter, Ashley Dawn Helfrich, Wichita; 2 step-sons, Dr. James Dyer, Jr and husband Alberto, Oak Ridge, New Jersey and Kevin Dyer and wife Susan, Greeley, Colorado; 2 step-daughters, Valarie Dyer, Jetmore and Stephanie Vandegrift and husband Todd, Dodge City; 4 sisters, Jovita Shean, Forest, Virginia, MaryIda Heskamp, Spearville, Willetta Samuels and husband James Eames, Loveland, Colorado and Jeannine Gemmill and husband Van, Ponca City, Oklahoma; and 11grandchildren, Bryan Dyer, Nelson Perkins and wife Amanda, Tanis Vandegrift and wife Brooke, Joseph Jauregui, Tessa Vandegrift, Todd Vandegrift, Jr., Jonathan Fonseca, Robert Dyer, Halle Helfrich, Sian Helfrich and Kian Helfrich; 10 great grandchildren; 1 great great granddaughter; a grand puppy, Léon, and numerous beloved nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Cletus Helfrich; and two brothers-in-law, George Heskamp and Glenn Shean.

Vigil service will be at 7:00 pm, July 13, 2023 at St. Andrew Church, Wright.  Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am, July 14, 2023 at the church with Fr. Ted Stoecklein presiding.  Inurnment will follow in St. Andrew Cemetery, Wright. There will be no public viewing, cremation has taken place. Friends may sign the register from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm July 13, 2023 at Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City.

The family suggests memorials to the St. Andrew Cemetery Fund or Hospice of the Prairie both in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N 14th Ave, Dodge City, Kansas 67801.