Harold Michael "Mike" Alfers, 69, owner-publisher of the Rural Messenger and a longtime Kansas newspaper executive, died Friday, April 29, at his home in Haven, KS. He had battled pancreatic cancer. Mike, who established the Rural Messenger in August 2004, had been a strong, but quiet presence in the Kansas newspaper industry for more than 40 years.
He was born December 19, 1952, in St. Joseph, Mo. Mike married Dena Perkins on August 14, 1971 (they later divorced), and served in the United States Air Force from 1971-1975, including an assignment in Madrid, Spain.
He was preceded in death by: his parents, Harold and Catherine Alfers; brothers, Patrick Alfers and Curtis Alfers; and sister, Jacque Jacobs.
Mike is survived by: his trusted canine companion, Shadow; daughters, Tonya Alfers of Decatur, GA, and Trisha (Jason) Cuda of Avondale Estates, GA; son, Michael (Teresa) Alfers of St. Cloud, FL; sisters, Vickie (Rich) Ewoldsen of Linwood, KS, and Judy (Jon) Henry of Oskaloosa, KS; sisters-in-law, Rhonda Alfers and Kathy Alfers; brother-in-law, Jake Jacobs; and grandchildren, Perkins Alfers, Mateo Alfers, Aidyn Cuda, and Scarlett Cuda.
Graveside service will be 2pm Friday, May 13, 2022, at Sego Cemetery, Rural Reno County. Military honors will be conducted by the McConnell Air Force Base Honor Guard. All are encouraged to join the family for a Celebration of Life dinner and reception following the graveside service at the YMCA Camp Wood, Elmdale, KS. Friends may call from 9am-8pm Thursday May 12, 2022, at Elliott Mortuary. The casket will remain closed.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Pheasants and Quails Forever, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 North Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.