Thomas J. Pfannenstein

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church for Thomas J. Pfannenstein, age 84, of Saint Cloud, who passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at Country Manor in Sartell. Reverend David Grundman will officiate. Burial, with full military honors, will be at the Minnesota State Veteran’s Cemetery in Little Falls.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 16, 2016 at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud and from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at the Church.

Tom Pfannenstein was born March 18, 1932 in Waite Park, MN to George and Irene Pfannenstein (Plantenberg). He married Barbara Lu Jendro on April 21, 1951 in Leaksville, Mississippi. Tom was employed by Lakeland, later Pan-O-Gold Bakery, where he worked for many years as a Salesman offering countless brands and varieties of baked goods across the cities of Saint Cloud and Waite Park. In retirement, he worked part-time at Mimbach Fleet/Ace Hardware in East Saint Cloud. He cherished both jobs and relished the opportunity to meet people, swap stories and share laughter about life. Tom honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and continued his service to his community as a lifelong member of the American Legion. In the Mid-1970’s he served as Commander of Waite Park Silver Star Post 428 and was actively involved in the American Legion Baseball Program. Additionally, he served on the Post’s Honor Guard and education committee. He continued to volunteer his service all the way until November 2016.

Tom was an awesome family man. He lost his daughter Sheila and infant grand-daughter Denise, but adored his daughters Cindy, Cheryl and Nyome and had a special affinity for his grand-daughters and great grand-daughters Lori, Teri, Ashley, Becky, Tahlia, Jackie, Marika, Kirsten, Brittany, Jessica, Sarah, Kendra, Addilyn, Hadley and Leah; many of whom who were at his side until his passing this week. Thomas loved sports and passed that passion into every generation creating a national following among his family for the Twins, Vikings, North Stars and Wild. He was particularly fond of hunting and fishing and that too has been passed on to every son, grand-son and great grand-son. Although his son Peter is no longer with us, the family sports tradition will be carried on by his sons Tim and Ken as well as grandsons Matthew, Bobby, Daniel, Craig, Travis, Keith and Ty and great-grandsons Cody, Christopher, Terrence, TJ, Tanner, Grant, Ethan, Kevin, Jason, Lukas and Dierks. His closeness to family is highlighted without distinction of "in-law" as he treated everyone in the family as his own. This wonderful outpouring of affection was clearly passed through the DNA of his own family. Passed on by those who have preceded him in death like George, Irene, Donna, John, Denny and Keith and those who will bid him a fond farewell including Janet, Howard, Roger, Kevin, Mary, Karen, Terry, and Richard. The spirit of the Pfannenstein family tradition will endure.

Tom would want it mentioned that it was not just his own family and that of his descendants that were important, but also his extended family including Leonard and Hazel who were his second Mom and Dad as well as brother Jim and sisters Pegge, Audree and Bette that made his life complete. Also his good friends and neighbors, particularly Hollis, Pam and Mary who watched over him as the years went on, always making sure he was safe and sound. And finally, his golfing crew who played with Tom even if it was 20 degrees outside in the fall or as wet as a Georgia swamp in the spring.

Thomas was a devout Catholic and was always true to his faith. In his later years, he was led on his spiritual journey by Father Mark and Father David who ensured he would join those in Heaven who had gone before him.

Finally, to Barb his loving wife of 63 years, you get to be with her now; something you had wanted since she too passed in 2014. You and your best friend are together once again. Along with Barb and those who have passed on, keep an eye on us here and don’t get too grumpy; lest Barb tell you to, "stop it and knock it off!"

Farewell and Following Seas. Let’s all go to the Dairy Queen!

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.