Dennis J. Pfannenstiel

Dennis J. Pfannenstiel age 80, of Hays, Kansas passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at his home.

He was born January 21, 1944, on the family farm south of Munjor, Kansas to Constantine “Connie” and Marcella (Doerfler) Pfannenstiel. He married the love of his life, Elaine G. (Phelps) on June 28, 1969, at Munjor, Kansas.

Dennis worked at and was an owner of State Glass Company in Hays for over 30 years. Farming and cattle was always a passion of Dennis’s, and he and his cousin Ernie Meier ran Ern-Den Farm for around 40 years. Dennis served two terms as an Ellis County Commissioner and enjoyed serving the community. Once Dennis retired from State Glass Company in 2004, he worked for the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department part-time transporting inmates up until 2020. 

He grew up on the family farm south of Munjor, and he attended high school at St. Joseph’s Military Academy in Hays, where he graduated in 1962. Dennis then served in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas.

Dennis was member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, and a member of the 3rd Degree St. Mary Council # 6984 Knights of Columbus.

He enjoyed bowling, golf, fishing, watching KU basketball, Royals baseball, and the Chiefs football. He always looked forward to playing cards every week with several of his friends. 

Dennis is survived by his wife, Elaine, of the home; his son, Grant A. Pfannenstiel and wife, Lacey, Hays, KS: his brother, Duane ‘Whitey” Pfannenstiel and wife, Becky, Topeka, KS; his sister, Gloria Koirth and husband, Larry, Hays, KS; and his brother-in-law, Jim Basgall, Kansas City, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Connie and Marcella; his brother, Stanley, Jim and Norman; and his sister, Jeanie Basgall. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Friday, December 13, 2024, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine, Hays, Kansas with Celebrant, Father Nick Parker. A private family inurnment will be at a later date.

The family will receive friends from 8:30 to 10:00 A.M. Friday, at the church with a vigil service and Knights of Columbus rosary at 9:30 A.M. 

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials made payable to: Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church or TMP-Marian High School in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Condolences can be emailed to clineschapels@gmail.com or left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com