Munjor Explorations
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Rupert PfannenstielAddress:
About this Exploration: Probably one of the best-known residents of Munjor and the biggest promoter of the Volga Germans of Munjor was Rupert Pfannenstiel. He helped organize the first Oktoberfest held in downtown Hays in the fall of 1973. The first two years the Oktoberfest celebration was held on 9th and 10th Streets and then because it had had outgrown this location, was moved to the park on South Main Street. For 22 years Rupert helped with the Oktoberfest and the Munjor food booth, which was always known for its wonderful food! He was an avid historian, eager community volunteer and was involved in just about everything. He was longtime member of the Ellis County Volga German Society and served as secretary and treasurer. His passion was promoting the Volga German heritage and he was one of the charter members of the Sunflower Chapter of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia when it was formed December 2, 1979. He was also a charter member of the Munjor Knights of Columbus and served on many boards including the Thomas More Prep-Marian High School board of directors. Rupert was the former Ellis County treasurer (1950 to 1955) and worked in the life insurance industry until he retired. During retirement he remained active as a farmer and volunteered his time with a variety of community and church projects. He was born March 7, 1923 and died May 13, 1996 at age 73. He is buried at the St. Francis Parish Cemetery and his grave marker can be found approximately 25’ north and 14 rows east of the main center crucifix (just north and east of Peter Stoecklein’s grave). |
Lilly Binder Munjor, KS 67601 Phone: 785.628.1970 Munjor Improvement District
P.O. Box 98 - 893 Main
Munjor, KS 67601 Phone: 785.625.5397 |