Daniel Funeral Home & Cremation Service

Loretta A. "Lori" Pfannenstein

October 9, 1939 – June 3, 2022

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in St. Joseph for Loretta A. “Lori” Pfannenstein, age 82 of St. Joseph who passed away on Friday, June 3, 2022 at Woodcrest of Country Manor in St. Joseph. Reverend Roger Klassen OSB and Reverend Jerome Tupa OSB will officiate. Interment will take place at the parish Mausoleum. 

Visitation will from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday and after 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the St. Joseph Parish Center Heritage Hall. Parish prayers will be at 4:00 p.m. on Monday.

Lori was born October 9, 1939 in St. Joseph, Minnesota to Florian and Agatha (Schroeder) Ketten. She graduated from St. Cloud Cathedral High School. Lori married Eugene J. Pfannenstein on May 14, 1960 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in St. Joseph. She was employed as a secretary by the St Joseph Lab School and St. John’s Prep School for many years, retiring in 2012. During her career she was honored with the St. John’s Prep Armor of Light Award.  Lori lived in St. Joseph all of her life. She was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Parish with many acts of service including walking Buster, Fr. Jerome’s dog.

In addition to being a mother to her own children Lori was a mother figure to countless students, friends and neighbors. She had a unique zest for life, she said yes to every opportunity in life, including matching tattoos with her grandchildren, tubing at the age of seventy and ziplining at the age of seventy-five. Lori had a very strong Catholic faith that allowed her to be a pillar of support for family, friends and people of the St. Joseph community. Her pride and joy was her role of being a grandmother; she was a playful interactive grandmother who was able to make each grandchild feel loved and appreciated.

Lori is survived by her children, Jeff (Laura) of St. Cloud, Al (Lisa) of St. Joseph, Tim (Ange) of Chandler, Arizona, Paul (Cindy) of St. Cloud, Ann (Ben) Stuckart of Spokane, Washington; grandchildren, Michael, Megan, Marren (Connor Wendt), Nicklas, Hannah, Isabel, Thomas, Addy, Libby and Lucas Pfannenstein; and sister, Jeanette “Nettie” Pfannenstein of St. Joseph; niece, Sara Goese of Brooklyn Park; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Lori was preceded in death by her parents; husband Eugene on October 11, 2002; brother, Robert; sisters; Betty Gillitzer, Mary Gamades and Carol.

Memorials are preferred in lieu of flower to Woodcrest of Country Manor in St. Joseph and CentraCare Hospice.


Guestbook

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’06 graduate here. I used to check out every day my senior year with Lori.y friend Anna and I used to give her a hard time everyday. One time when I lost an earring, and Lori found it. The whole school and Lori found a tiny earring and brought it to me. When I think of Prep, I think of Lori. Rest in peace, Lori.

I was Lori’s flower girl at her wedding. Spent a lot of time with her when I was young. She will be greatly missed. Our love and prayers are with all of you.

I met Lori when I was in high school at Prep. I was her work study student in the office for a few years. I loved every second of working for her, even when she heckled me! She remained a close friend and second Mom to me. I loved her and will miss her dearly. Rest in peace.

Lori was the ultimate life teacher in her every waking moment. Her obituary well summarizes her life of service and faith. I recall with fondness her gift of humor and laughter which blended with her care, commitment and endless talents impacted everyone she touched. My years working with Lori and the St. Joe Lab School team were filled with great fun, collaboration and learning all shaped by Lori’s gift of bringing people together. What an amazing energy she had for life!

I know that energy continues to live on through all who knew and worked with her, it does for me.

My prayers of support and comfort to her family.

Ric Dressen

Lori was my day care provider, second mother, and my inspiration in life. Auntie Lori gave everything she could and then more. I remember day after day of being at the Pfannenstein house and Lori was always there, joking and making life fun and a great learning experience. Lori you are loved by so many and especially me!

Services

Schedule Details

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in St. Joseph for Loretta A. “Lori” Pfannenstein, age 82 of St. Joseph who passed away on Friday, June 3, 2022 at Woodcrest of Country Manor in St. Joseph. Reverend Roger Klassen OSB and Reverend Jerome Tupa OSB will officiate. Interment will take place at the parish Mausoleum. 

Visitation will from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday and after 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the St. Joseph Parish Center Heritage Hall. Parish prayers will be at 4:00 p.m. on Monday.