Virgil Joseph Pfannenstiel, age 89 of Hays, Kansas passed away November 10, 2024 at his home in rural Hays. He was born on January 23, 1935, in Antonino, Kansas, to Joseph N. and Alvina (Leiker) Pfannenstiel. Virgil graduated from Hays High in 1953. He married Dolores (Fisher) on June 4, 1957 at St. Joseph’s Church in Hays. Shortly after being married, Virgil went on to serve his country honorably in the U.S. Army.
Virgil was the owner and operator of A&V Hardware and Appliance, a business he purchased from his uncle, Al Leiker, with whom he had worked with for several years. Virgil was not only a businessman and service repair man, but also a devoted farmer and stockman. His love of the farm was something he enjoyed sharing with others, often setting up petting zoos for area schools to visit. Virgil particularly enjoyed his pigs and the pleasures that come with caring for the animals.
On Sundays, (while in season), Virgil could be found engaging in his passion for coyote hunting with his pack of Greyhounds and his friends. An active member of the Sunflower Chapter of AHSGR, Virgil celebrated his German heritage, a source of pride for him. He took great pride in living on his family’s original homestead with his own family. Virgil was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor.
Virgil is survived by his wife, Dolores Pfannenstiel of the home; his son, Leon Pfannenstiel and wife Melinda of Hays; daughter, Jane Younger and Curtis Brungardt of Hays; brothers, Vernon Pfannenstiel and wife Mary Jane of Hays, Gerald Pfannenstiel and wife Janice of Munjor, and Lee Allen Pfannenstiel of Missouri; sisters, Mary Ellen Zimmer of Hays and JoAnn VonFeldt and husband Darrel of Hays; sister-in-law, Darlene Pfannenstiel of Shawnee Mission; grandchildren, Tara Graham and husband Cody, Chris Younger and wife Danae, Luke Pfannenstiel and wife Kim, Joel Younger and wife Amber, Hanna McGann and husband Cory, Kirk Pfannenstiel, and Jarett Pfannenstiel; as well as numerous great-grandchildren, including Carter, Cady, Bentley, Laney, Trevor and wife Brooke, Taylan, Jadyn, Katlyn, Kimber, Emery, Jayce, Klay, with a new addition, baby McGann on the way; great-great grandchildren Tinley and Parker and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brothers Arlen Pfannenstiel, Dennis Pfannenstiel and wife Noveline, and brother-in-law Eugene Zimmer.
Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Thursday, November 14, 2024 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor, Kansas. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.
A rosary service will be at 6:30 PM Wednesday followed by a parish vigil service all at Brock's Chapel.
Visitation will be Wednesday 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine. Thursday visitation will be 9:30 AM until service time at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor.
Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Francis Church. Virgil leaves behind a legacy of hard work, deep family ties, and a passion for the farm that defined much of his life. Please share memories and words of comfort on Virgil's tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com
Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601
