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Philip Pestinger Obituary
Philip Lee Pestinger, 87, passed away September 16, 2013 peacefully at his home. Visitation will be September 26, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00PM at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held at Plymouth Congregational Church, 925 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS on September 27, 2013 at 11:00AM. Rev. Dr. Peter A. Luckey will officiate the service.
Born Philip Lee Pestinger, February 16, 1926 in Crisfield, KS to Fredrick and Myrtle (O'Leary) Pestinger. He attended Anthony High School where he played in every sport (football center & basketball guard) played in the band, participated in theater and was Senior Class President. Upon graduation he was drafted into the Army where he joined the 88th Chemical Company as a radio operator, discharged April 15, 1946.
Went on to college on a GI Bill: Phil had talked with "Phog" Allen to come and try out at KU. When he couldn't find housing and couldn't afford a motel room, he landed a basketball scholarship at Southwestern College where he received a Bachelor's degree in Teacher's education 1950. He went on to teach and coach at: Sawyer KS; Vermillion KS; Piper KS and ended up in Lawrence, KS, where he taught and was a counselor until his retirement in 1987. Phil worked on the Chain Crew at KU's home football games for 31 years and was an avid golfer.
Married Rheta Kimball in 1954. Rheta passed away from breast cancer in 2001. He remarried in 2011 to Rosie Miller.
Phil is survived by his wife Rosie, two daughters Kim (Tracy Cook) Derby, KS. Joyce Marsh (Dave Droge) Princeton, KS. Son Jay (Sara Pestinger) Overland Park, KS. Six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and 3 step sons (all of Wichita).
Phil LOVED to dance and entertained many with his jitterbug!! Dad, we know you are dancing on God's ballroom floor…… dance on and on!!!
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Plymouth Congregational Church. Online condolences at rumsey-yost.com.
Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Philip Pestinger
Bob Glidewell
January 18, 2014
I have a lot of good memories of Coach Pestinger from playing basketball at Piper. He was a man of honor and integrity and taught us a lot more about sportsmanship than just excelling at the game of basketball.
Ed Buck
September 27, 2013
I knew "Coach" Pestinger from my days at Piper High School. He was a fine man and we all looked up to him.
Steven L. George
September 23, 2013
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Mary Grob
September 23, 2013
My condolences to Kim, Joyce & Jay. Your dad was "great" when we were in high school even though he was one of the school counselors! I really enjoyed living next door to your parents for a few years in their later years. I loved his gentle demeanor and great outlook on life!
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Fred McElhenie
September 23, 2013
I first met "Pete" at Piper High School in 1960 when I joined the staff. We became fast friends and he was invaluable in shepherding this new teacher into the realities of H.S. in a rural area. He was good friend over the years and I'm sorry to learn of his death. He was a fine man, great humor and better insights. He will be missed by us all.
Valerie Peaslee-Earhart
September 22, 2013
Mr. Pestinger was always kind and a supportive, positive presence. Thank you for all of the memories. Condolences to Jay and all of the family.
What a handsome man!
September 22, 2013
Raymond Riley
September 22, 2013
We remember Mr. Pestinger well when he came to Winchester, Kansas to coach at Winchester High School in 1955. Known then as Pete, he coached Allan Reynolds, who later played in the first Super Bowl for the Kansas City Chiefs. A very nice Coach and Friend.
Sara Pestinger
September 22, 2013
Ronda Hassig
September 22, 2013
I still remember our van rides with Max Rife to Perry Lake to go skiing. We were always in safe hands. You were the kindest man Mr. Pestinger and we will miss you horribly.
Scott Burkhart
September 22, 2013
Mr. Pestinger is one of the teachers we will all be remembering at the LHS, Class of '73 reunion this week. Best metal shop teacher I ever had!
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