Earl Frank Lizer

Earl Frank Lizer, age 91, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Earl was born on September 19, 1934 in Anderson County, to Earl T. and Adelia (Andrews) Lizer. Known as "Sonny Earl," he grew up on the family farm, where he learned to work hard and take responsibility. He graduated from Garnett High School in 1952. At a young age, Earl took over the family farm after his father was seriously injured in a farming accident.

On July 19, 1958, Earl married the love of his life, Cornelia (Ann) Zielsdorf. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and the land they loved. They raised crops. They raised livestock. And they raised three children.

Although farming remained close to his heart, Earl possessed an entrepreneurial spirit that led him into several successful business ventures. In addition to farming, he established both a real estate brokerage, an American Family Insurance agency, and later was an appraiser. For more than 25 years, he served the Garnett community with honesty and integrity. His passion for real estate extended into residential development, where he built 21 homes in the Kim-Lizer, Parklane, and Lakeview additions. Earl was an active member of several service and professional organizations.

He and Ann also enjoyed square dancing, creating memories and building friendships.

Retirement gave him new adventures. For 26 winters, Earl and Ann made their home in South Texas, where they found a community and became an avid shuffleboard player, bringing home several trophies.

Travel was one of his greatest joys. When Johnny Cash sang, "I've Been Everywhere," he could have been singing about Earl. In his early years, he took his family on many classic road trips. Later, he and Ann explored further - from Alaska and Hawaii, to Europe, and as far reaching as Australia.

Family was Earl's pride and joy. He loved celebrating milestones with trips, like taking each grandchild to Disney World, and celebrating anniversaries. He delighted in attending his children's and grandchildren's activities.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Mary Rose Lizer and Emma Isabel (Lizer) Phelon.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Ann Lizer, of Garnett; his children, Rex (Teresa Myers) Lizer, Shirley (Kenny) Spiller, and Marilyn (Don) Floyd; his grandchildren, Aaron (Diane) Lizer, Allison (Lizer) Ray, Andrew (Tammy) Lizer, Chelsea (Joseph) Rodriguez, Nicholas Spiller, Jacob, Tyler, Christian, and Karina Floyd; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30AM on Monday, August 10, 2026, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel, Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Garnett Cemetery. Earl's family will greet friends from 6:00PM - 8:00PM on Sunday evening at the funeral home. The family welcomes memorial donations to Good Shepherd Hospice or Garnett First United Methodist Church instead of flowers.

Earl's life was a testament to faith, hard work, and determination. Whether he was plowing a field, closing a real estate deal, traveling the world, or simply spending time with his family, he lived a life of purpose and integrity. He left a legacy.