Joseph Pflanzer, M.D.

Joseph Pflanzer, M.D., was born on November 18, 1938 in New York to Harry Pflanzer and Gladys Papowitz, and passed away peacefully on January 4th, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He lived a life defined by a dedication to medicine, deep love for family, and a wide-ranging curiosity about the world.

After attending college in New York, Joseph pursued his medical education abroad, earning his Doctor of Medicine, Surgery, and Obstetrics degree with Distinction from the Université Catholique de Louvain in Belgium. During his final year of medical school, he married Evelyn VanGool, and together they began building their family. Joseph completed his internship in Montreal, followed by pediatric and allergy residencies in New York.

In 1971, Joseph joined an established allergy practice in Dallas, Texas with Dr. William Sellars, where he would go on to serve generations of patients in Dallas and DeSoto. He volunteered his time at Children's Medical Center in Dallas for many years. Over the course of more than 54 years in medicine, Joseph became known not only for his clinical expertise but also for his compassion, patience, and genuine care for those he treated. He was deeply loved and trusted by his patients throughout his long career.

Beyond medicine, Joseph embraced life with enthusiasm and creativity. He resided with his family in Cedar Hill, TX. He found joy in gardening, photography, travel, the arts, and music. A passionate world traveler, he explored countless destinations across Europe and Asia, including China, sharing these experiences with his family. Family was at the center of Joseph’s life. He was a devoted and guiding presence to his children, always making time to support, encourage, and inspire them.

After the loss of his first wife in 1999, Joseph found love again and married Jia Li in 2000. Their marriage would span over a quarter of a century. Jia became his steadfast partner and the heart of his home, wholeheartedly dedicating herself to his happiness and well-being which was mirrored by Joseph towards his loving wife. Their family grew with the arrival of her son, Sean Li, in 2002. Joseph welcomed Sean with open arms and treated him as his own. This gesture of profound compassion and unconditional love deeply touched Sean and defined their bond. In 2003, they also welcomed their daughter Victoria. They shared a passion for exploration, traveling the world side by side, and in 2009, realized a shared dream by purchasing and making a home in their dream residence in Cedar Hill. A space that would become a testament to their life built together, filled with love, memories, and hospitality.

To his family, Joseph was more than a doctor, he was their “encyclopedia of the world.” His profound knowledge of history, art, and culture made every conversation an education. Whether he was quizzing his children on the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World or sharing insights from his travels. This love for beauty and craftsmanship was reflected in his carefully curated collections of crystal, ivory, and pewter, gathered over decades. In his quiet moments, he was a true “Pflanzer”, meaning “planter” in German. He found peace and purpose in the soil, tending to his garden with devotion. His hands built not only flowerbeds but entire landscapes, crafting serene ponds at their former home, cutting trails through the woods for a golf cart ride, and even cultivating a vibrant cactus garden. For his family, these were not just hobbies, they were the tangible expressions of his boundless curiosity, strength, and deep, creative love.

Joseph retired from medical practice in 2025, closing an extraordinary chapter of service and dedication. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched as a physician, mentor, husband, and father.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, and his late wife. He is survived by his wife, Jia Pflanzer; his daughters, Danielle Pflanzer, Vivian Pflanzer, and Victoria Pflanzer; his son, Sean Li; his sister; and his grandson, Evan Brown.

A graveside service and celebration of Joseph's life will be held at Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral Home at 7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX, 75225 on the 17th of January at 10:30 am. A reception will follow.