Linus A. Pfannenstiel
January 2, 1951 – July 22, 2026
Linus A. Pfannenstiel, 75, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas, surrounded by the love of his family.
Linus was born on January 2, 1951, in Hays, Kansas, to Theodore “Ted” and Ottilia (Leiker) Pfannenstiel. He graduated from Saint Francis Seminary in 1969 and married the love of his life, Deborah Berland, on June 12, 1971. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, hard work, and service to others.
Throughout his career, Linus owned and operated The Bingo Haus in Hays, Kansas, and Fonz Custom Services. He also worked as an insurance adjuster, managed the Evans Grain Elevator, and served as a manager for the U.S. Census Bureau during the 1990 and 2000 censuses. A true entrepreneur, Linus was always looking for new ways to serve his community and provide for his family. Over the years, his ventures included operating a food truck at county fairs, personalizing limestone fence posts, driving a pilot car, organizing annual summer peach sales, and many other projects. He was always busy working through his ever-growing "to-do" list.
Affectionately known as "Fonz" by many, Linus was recognized for his strong work ethic, generous spirit, and willingness to help with any worthwhile cause. He served the City of Damar for many years as the water superintendent and as a member of the City Council. He played a key role in securing grant funding for numerous community projects and was especially proud of his work establishing and training the City of Damar Volunteer Fire Department. Linus was also deeply involved in planning and organizing the community's festivals, jubilees, and bazaars, and he found great joy in bringing people together to celebrate.
The Catholic faith was central to Linus's life. He faithfully served the Lord through his involvement at St. Joseph Catholic Church as both a lector and an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. He was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and served as Grand Knight, as well as in several local and state leadership positions within the Knights of Columbus.
In his free time, Linus enjoyed hunting, farming, snow mobiling and tackling home improvement projects. He especially loved attending his grandchildren's activities and watching them pursue the things they loved. As a proud Air Force veteran, he deeply valued his country and was committed to honoring those who served and sacrificed for our nation's freedoms.
Linus is survived by his daughter, Tara (Michael) Morrow of Wichita, Kansas; his son, Adam (Clista) Pfannenstiel of Wichita, Kansas; and his daughter, Amy (Tracy) Dible of Wichita, Kansas. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren: Jackson (Kena) Morrow of Emporia, Kansas; Jacob Pfannenstiel, Luke Morrow, Madisyn Dible, Isabella Pfannenstiel, Brooks Morrow, Holden Dible, Landon Pfannenstiel, and Graeden Dible, all of Wichita, Kansas; and his great-grandson, Jace "JJ" Morrow of Emporia, Kansas.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Deborah Pfannenstiel; his parents, Ted and Ottilia Pfannenstiel; Paul and Minnie Pfannenstiel; his sister, Jo Ann Burnett; and his brother, Gerald Pfannenstiel.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in St. Marks, Kansas. A rosary and visitation will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, at the church. His ashes will be laid to rest with military honors during a graveside service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Damar, Kansas.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made in Linus's honor to:
- Knights of Columbus Charities Aid Foundation (Attn: State Treasurer Doug Wietharn, 107 E. Apache St., Saint Marys, KS 66536)
- Kansas Honor Flight (P.O. Box 2371, Hutchinson, KS 67504; kansashonorflight.org)
- Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Salina (In Memory of Linus Pfannenstiel – Vocations, 103 N. 9th Street, Salina, KS 67401)
Contributions and condolences may also be sent to Wulf-Ast Mortuary, 213 W. Wichita, P.O. Box 555, Colwich, KS 67030.