Elaine Ann Pfannenstiel, age 83, of Munjor, Kansas, peacefully passed away on Monday, September 14, 2026, at Hays Medical Center, surrounded by her family. Elaine was born on November 7, 1942, in Schoenchen, Kansas, to Albert C. and Martina (Ruder) Zimmerman. She married Verlin F. Pfannenstiel on October 21, 1961, in Schoenchen, Kansas. He preceded her in death on February 15, 2026.
Elaine and Verlin stood by each other through all of life’s seasons while sharing a 64-year marriage. They raised 5 children and were committed to a life of faith and service to others. Elaine believed that life was an adventure meant to be lived both through the pages of a book and the windows of a plane, train or car. She inspired her children and grandchildren to live life fully and to never stop learning. Her warmth, sincerity, and bright smile will be profoundly missed by her family and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Elaine was a parishioner of Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Munjor, KS. She was involved in her parish as both a catechist and a member of Christian Mothers. Elaine was instrumental in the development of the new Hays location for Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas. She was a graduate of Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and, along with her husband, was an avid supporter of Fort Hays State athletics and music programs. Elaine volunteered at Hays Medical Center and served on the Hays Medical Center Executive Board. She worked for Sunshine Connections as a home visitor for the child and adult care food program. Elaine founded Cervs convenience store in 1994 and created a lasting legacy for the Hays community.
Elaine is survived by her children, Christi Lungren (Steve), Arkansas City, KS; Cindy Pfannenstiel, Hays, KS; Russ Pfannenstiel (Melissa), Hays, KS; Ryan Pfannenstiel (Argelia), Park City, KS; her grandchildren, Siera Bailey (Travis); Sadie Spurlock (Matthew); Cale White (Jillian); Conner White (Cameron); Caitlyn White (fiancé Kevin Deye); Quin Pfannenstiel; Arin Basgall-Pfannenstiel (Clayton); Emma Pfannenstiel; Jordan Pfannenstiel (Sarah); Jessalyn Pfannenstiel; Joelle Pfannenstiel; Bryler Russell; Cooper Russell; Reilly Pfannenstiel-Jones (Parker); Leo Pfannenstiel; and Val Pfannenstiel; her 11 great grandchildren; her brothers, Tim Zimmerman (Lora); and Chuck Zimmerman (Tammy); her sister, Julie Gottschalk. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert C. and Martina Zimmerman and Felicitas (Giebler) Zimmerman (who raised Elaine); her husband, Verlin F. Pfannenstiel; her son, Curt Pfannenstiel; her brothers, Harvey Zimmerman and Ernie Zimmerman; and her sister, Thelma Pfannenstiel (Cyril).
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Comeau Catholic Campus Center, 506 West 6th Street, Hays, Kansas with Celebrant, Father Andy Hammeke. Burial will follow at Saint Francis of Assisi Cemetery, Munjor, Kansas.
The Rosary will be led by Father Andy Hammeke at 6:30 P.M. Thursday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays. Visitation will be from 5:30 to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Friday, at the Comeau Catholic Campus Center.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials payable to: Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, FHSU Athletics Department, or Comeau Catholic Campus Center in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street Hays, Kansas 67601.
The family of Elaine and Verlin would like to thank Hays physicians and nurses, Hays Medical Center, HaysMed Hospice and Palliative Care, Via Christi Village, and Good Samaritan Hays for the exceptional and compassionate care of their mom and dad.
Condolences can be emailed to clineschapels@gmail.com or left at the guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com