Gerald Pfannenstiel

OBITUARY, GERALD PFANNENSTIEL

February 16, 1940 - May 22, 2025

Gerald Pfannenstiel, 85, went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 22, 2025.  He and his wife, Irene Pfannenstiel, were married 45 years.  Their primary residence was in Brighton, Colorado.  During the last few years, they spent their winters in Mesa, Arizona where he passed away. He was a member of the Elmwood Baptist Church in Brighton, Colorado.   He grew up in the Brighton-Ft Lupton area and moved with his parents to Commerce City during his High School years where he graduated from Adams City High School.

He was born February 16, 1940, to Herman and Florine Pfannenstiel.  He moved from Kansas to Colorado with his parents when he was two years old.  His dad was a farmer in the Brighton/Ft. Lupton area. 

Gerry has a daughter, Lauri (Bob) Dieterle from Ault, Colorado and a stepdaughter, Candi (DuWayne) Lewis from Cheyenne, Wyoming; five grandchildren: Nicole, Aundrea, Zachary, Trey, and Alexis; and three great grandchildren: Channing, Tason Rae, and Avagrace.   His sister Shirley Garramone lives in Westminster, Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Florine Pfannenstiel; his sister Norma Jean Pfannenstiel and his brother Ronald Pfannenstiel.

Gerry’s family enjoyed catering wedding receptions during his growing up years and that’s where Gerry developed his love for cooking and serving others. He was good at making sure all the details were just right for those special occasions!   Whenever the grandkids came to visit or stay the night, Gerry insisted on cooking their favorite breakfast and they always requested his special scrambled eggs.   

Gerry served in the Army National Guard for eight years, two of which were active duty, serving in Aberdine, Maryland and Ft. Riley, Kansas.

He retired from the Commerce City Police Department in 1998 with over 32 years of service. He served various positions in the Patrol and Detective divisions. He was honored as Commerce City Police Department’s most inspirational Officer in 1996. 

Gerry was a loyal, loving, caring, devoted husband, father, brother, grandpa, and great grandpa who took good care of his family.   He was a “Mr. Fixit” whether it be anything that needed fixing around the house or anyone who ran into a problem and needed his advice.  He wanted to protect those around him.  He was also an encourager, always giving wise advice to those who wanted to make their lives better.  He was a man of few words but when he spoke, you listened, as he usually gave such sound advice.

Gerry enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, tinkering in his workshop and watching westerns on TV. Being of German descent, he attended many festive weddings and especially enjoyed a good polka where he often led the wedding march for the Bride and Groom at many weddings.

Graveyard services will be held at Brighton Elmwood Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, followed by a Celebration of Life ceremony at Elmwood Baptist Church. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Elmwood Baptist Church, 13100 E. 144th Avenue, Brighton, Colorado for Youth Group training and activity costs since they are our future.

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