Lillian Pfannes

Lillian Marie Pfannes, 88, passed away at her home in Fort Dodge, Iowa on Saturday, October 19, 2024.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fort Dodge. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the services. Following lunch at the Corpus Christi Center, inurnment will take place at Corpus Christi Cemetery.

Lillian Marie Shumski was born on August 31, 1936 in Fairmont, MN to Anton and Agnes (Nowak) Shumski. She was raised on a farm near Fairmont, MN. She attended country school through 8th grade and graduated from East Chain Consolidated High School.

Lil married James L. Pfannes on September 6, 1955 at Holy Family Catholic Church in East Chain, MN. They made their home in Fairmont, MN, Faribault, MN, and Spencer, IA before settling in Fort Dodge in 1959. Lil and Jim were happily married for 62 years before his passing in December of 2017.

She is survived by her children Dave (Margaret) Pfannes of Ankeny, Steve (Jane) Pfannes of Boone, Jerry (Brenda) Pfannes of Ankeny, and Lisa (Steve) Kelley of Spirit Lake; sister Alice Sandt of rural Fairmont, MN; sister-in-law Marie Shumski; grandchildren Jennifer (Andy) Burke, Sara (Jake) Fleckenstein, Megan (Andy) Wailes, Matthew Pfannes, Kristine (Cody) Cook, Bridget Pfannes, Adam Pfannes, Amanda Stukenholtz, Hannah (Dustin) Lange, Josh (Amber) Milliken, Jordan (Haden) Milliken, and 13 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jim, her brother Leo Shumski and infant brother Lawrence Shumski, her son-in-law Richard Milliken, great-grandson Connor David Burke, and granddaughter Elizabeth Pfannes.

Lil was a member of Holy Trinity Parish. She was a devoted mother and homemaker. She worked at the Fort Dodge Messenger for several years. She enjoyed traveling with Jim, spending time with her family, crocheting, and baking goodies. She was a faithful daily walker for many years and took great pride in taking care of her yard.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Holy Trinity Catholic Parish.