Dr. David Pfanenstiel

David Pfanenstiel

Dr. David L. Pfanenstiel, 74, died on Oct. 31, 2022, at the Bentley Village Care Center after a battle with cancer.

Dave spent his last days with his daughter, Kara Reens, at his side as she comforted and advocated for him, just as he always had for her.

Dave and Kara’s bond began at birth when he delivered her while he was the only practicing doctor in Leoti. He always said it was the highlight of a distinguished career in medicine that started in 1974, and stretched to his retirement in 1998.

Dave took great joy in caring for people in Leoti and then in Naples, Fla., where he moved and opened his private practice in Golden Gate in 1981.

Dave was passionate about serving others, and he believed it was a privilege to help people. That generous spirit extended to his personal life, where he always placed family and friends before himself.

Dave was a remarkable father and grandfather. He had immense pride, first in Kara, and later in his granddaughters, Paityn and Jordyn.

He was delighted to watch all three of them grow into the smart, strong and thoughtful women they are today. He was “Bobo” to the girls, and whether it was treating them to ice cream or taking them on their first cruise, there was a constant gleam in his eyes and a joke waiting to be made.

Travel was a lifelong pleasure for Dave, and he enjoyed the ability to show Kara the world on several cruises and overseas adventures.

Dave had a love for music and was a talented piano player, who performed at his medical school’s graduation ceremonies and a friend’s wedding.

Dave was raised in Crowley, Colo., before moving to Leoti, where he graduated from Wichita County High School in 1966. He earned his bachelors degree from Fort Hays State University and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Kirksville College.

Dave is survived by his daughter, Kara Reens and husband, Nate; his grandchildren, Paityn and Jordyn Reens; his sister, Linda Eddy and husband Terry; and his brother, Jerry Pfanenstiel and wife, Dana.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life and his partner of 37 years, Stewart Fabrega; his parents, Louis and Lula Mae (Hughes) Pfanenstiel; and his brother, Phillip Pfanenstiel.

No services are planned.