City of Emporia mourns loss of Mayor Danny Giefer

Editor’s note: This story has been corrected to indicate that Giefer was serving as mayor at the time of his death.

EMPORIA, Kan. (KSNW) — The City of Emporia is in mourning as it announced the death of longtime City Commissioner and Mayor Danny Giefer, who died at his home on July 6.

Giefer and his wife moved to Emporia over 50 years ago in 1970. The city said in a news release it is better because of that decision.

“Emporia is a better place, because in 1970 newlyweds Danny and Betty Giefer chose to move here to live and to rear their children. We are grateful they did,” the news release said.

Giefer was sworn into the Emporia City Commission in 2013 because, the city said, he wanted to help the people of Emporia.

“He used his business acumen to the benefit of Emporia,” the news release said. “When he voted on an issue, whether yay or nay, we knew that he had thoroughly researched the issue, talked with constituents, and based his vote on what he believed would be best for Emporia.”

“More importantly, he listened and he was present,” the release said. “He was always available at the other end of the phone or an email. Emporians could count on Danny being there when it mattered, whether it was attending an important meeting relating to city business, officially welcoming attendees at a big family reunion, or honoring inductees into the National Teachers Hall of Fame. Danny was present and he was committed.

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