Francis J. “Frank” Pfannenstiel, age 98, of Hays, Kansas, died Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at HaysMed in Hays.
He was born on September 4, 1927, in Munjor, Kansas, to Mike and Eva (Degenhardt) Pfannenstiel. In 1948, Frank was united in marriage to Cecilia Leikam. She preceded him in death in 2025.
Frank was a devoted family man who was blessed with a large and loving posterity. He was a great storyteller, a friend to all, and someone who truly cherished the time he spent with those he loved. Family was of the utmost importance to him.
He owned Ellis County Processing and enjoyed a successful career as a meat processor and farmer. Frank was also a proud patriot who loved his country. Shortly after graduating from St. Joseph Military Academy in Hays, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and faithfully served his country.
Frank was a charter member of the Edwin A. Schumacher Marine Corps League Detachment No. 740, and he greatly valued the friendships and camaraderie he shared with his fellow Marines.
He is survived by his children, Sheri (Charlie) Rohr of Hays, Bob (Darla) Pfannenstiel of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Rick (Barb) Pfannenstiel of Hays, Randy (Debbie) Pfannenstiel of Hays, and Scott (Nikki) Pfannenstiel of Hays; his sister, Aggie (James) Miller of Hays; 11 grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his sweetheart, Cecilia; his parents; and his siblings, Victor, Clarence, Ted, Eddie, Paul, Peter in infancy, Marvin, Julie, Walter, Marcella, and Martina.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory – Brock’s Chapel,2509 Vine Street, Hays, Kansas 67601. Interment, with military honors, will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Hays.
Viewing and visitation will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a Marine Corps presentation beginning at 7:00 p.m., and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until service time, all at the funeral chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church and/or the Edwin A. Schumacher Marine Corps League Detachment No. 740, in care of the funeral chapel.
Services are in the care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory. Memories and words of comfort may be shared with Frank’s family on his tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com