Karen Emily Pfannenstiel

Karen Emily Pfannenstiel was born on January 16, 1940 in Los Angeles, California. She was the daughter of Robert and Florence Stinson. She resided her whole life in Los Angeles County.

Karen graduated from Lutheran High School in Los Angeles in 1957. She went on to UCLA and graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech. She devoted herself to elementary age children, assisting them with their various speech deficiencies. She retired after 28 dedicated years working in the L.A. Unified School District.

In the early sixties she met the love of her life, James Pfannenstiel. They were married in 1965 and shared 51 happy and beautiful years together. In 1968, they had the joy of adding to their family with the birth of their son, Craig Pfannenstiel.

Karen had a deep faith commitment for the Lord. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church for over 47 years. She was involved with Vacation Bible School (VBS), teaching Sunday School, singing in the Chancel Choir and volunteering her time with various other needs of the church and the church family. She always had a smile on her face, ready to encourage others. Her greatest pleasure was to sing to the Lord and share her faith.

She is survived by her husband, James; their son, Craig (Beverly); three brothers, David Stinson (Patti), John Stinson (Debbie) and Neil Stinson; two grandchildren, Cynthia Meyer and Shawn Carroll; two nephews, Todd Stinson and Trevor Stinson; two great grandchildren, Amanda Meyer and Timothy Meyer; and one great niece, Amanda Stinson.

Her memorial service is at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2016, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Redondo Beach. A reception will be held immediately following the service at the church.


Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275