Hope Pfannstiel

Hope Pfannstiel, 85, was called home to be with the Lord on April 20th, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas surrounded by her loving family. Hope was born February 15th, 1938, in New Braunfels, Texas to Sido and Laura Waldschmidt. She grew up in New Braunfels and attended St Peter and Paul school from grades 1-8. Afterwards she went to New Braunfels High School and graduated in 1956. While at NBHS she had the unique distinction of being elected the first ever homecoming queen which was an honor she was very proud of. She was also named best dressed and was liked by many for her charm and kindness. Hope then went on to attend Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos Texas. Her tenure was short (one year) but this wouldn’t be her last stint at the university.

When she returned in the summer of 1957, she worked at Landa Park pool in New Braunfels. This was a location where many of the New Braunfels youth were employed as it was popular with locals and tourists alike. While there she met a handsome lifeguard named Harvey Pfannstiel. They started dating and found out they just might have a relationship that would last. Harvey enlisted in the Navy and got to travel the world while Hope was employed as a secretary at New Braunfels High School. They would see each other during Harvey’s leave time and eventually a full-blown romance blossomed. Marriage would come next, and they were wed on August 20th, 1960. Harvey received an honorable discharge from the Navy and simultaneously taught at Sherwood school while also receiving a degree in education from Southwest Texas State. Harvey would later work as a teacher at New Braunfels Junior High while Hope was still doing her secretarial work.

During the early 1960’s Hope would find the time to become a mother to two boys in two years. Jay was born on July 12th, 1963, and the following year Matt was born on July 7th, 1964. She would eventually leave her secretarial duties and become a full-time mother caring for her two precious boys. She found this very rewarding, and motherhood became the most joyous job she would ever know. Her mother Laura was a proud grandmother and often helped Hope in taking care of Matt and Jay. It truly was a labor of love for Hope and five years later April 27th, 1969, she gave birth to a third son Barry. While some might think 3 boys would be a handful, Hope took on the challenge with zeal, vigor and most importantly love. Hope was also known for her love of animals and many a dog and cat were the beneficiaries of her tender loving care.

While she found satisfaction in being a full-time mom, eventually she returned to the workforce at Super X drug store specializing in being a jack of all trades and a master of some. Whether it be stocking, working the register, or just treating customers to her lovely smile she performed to the best of her abilities. She would work at Super X for 14 years as it would eventually transition into Revco in the mid 80’s.

In 1983 Hope would make a monumental change in her life. She decided to go back to school at SWT and earn a degree. This was special in that her fellow students included her sons Matt and Jay. She became a true superwoman as she would take on a full course load while also continuing to work at Super X and raising her youngest son Barry during his high school years. Hope worked hard and eventually would get her degree in the Spring of 1987. The best part for her was seeing Matt and Jay also graduate SWT in the Spring of 1987 as well. Her youngest son Barry also graduated from New Braunfels High School in the Spring of 1987.

Hope then took on the world of retail at Walmart which was an equally arduous and exciting next step. She developed many close friends there and for 25 years once again performed many duties admirably.

Hope also had 2 wonderful daughters-in-law. On June 29th, 1991, Jay married Jennifer Leitgen. On July 12, 1992, Matt married Selena Pittman. Grandkids weren’t far behind as Jay and Jennifer became parents on July 25th, 1994, with a beautiful girl Haley. A son Brady followed 3 years later August 2nd, 1997. Matt and Selena brought their son Casey into the world on March 29th, 1996.

Another boy, Zac would follow on May 4th, 2000. Hope even got to be a great grandmother with Casey and his with Bethany give birth to Noel on November 19, 2019. Another precious girl named Chloe would follow on June 13th, 2022.

Hope also fully enjoyed playing Bunco with her friends. She often hosted these events, and it was a mixture of food, fun, and fellowship. Most impressive in her later life was her devotion to the Pfannstiel family farm. After Harvey fell ill, Hope took it upon herself to help care for the cattle. She thoroughly enjoyed these chores, and the cows became big pets to her. She gave them all names and they would look forward to getting hand fed from her. She would continue this as the cattle moved from New Braunfels to Seguin.

Hope was also an avid sports fan and would cheer on her beloved San Antonio Spurs to several World Championships. She was also the biggest fan of her sons Jay and Matt who performed in a country band that they founded. She missed very few dances and always beamed with pride when discussing her son’s musical exploits.

Hope was also a devoted caregiver to her husband Harvey after he suffered a series of strokes. She would always visit Harvey during his stay at Kirkwood Manor and they would share many poignant moments together and quite a few laughs. Both had a great sense of humor, and it sustained them during many a difficult time.

Hope was an accomplished cook and baker. She won several awards at the Comal County Fair and all who knew her could attest to her culinary gifts. Hope’s family was certainly the biggest beneficiary.

In her final chapter of life, she gained many new friends residing at Gruene Senior Living in New Braunfels. Staff and residents alike will tell you she touched their lives and was a cheerful presence. As always Hope not only received love but also gave it back. She enjoyed the various activities at GSL and was always up for bingo and dominos. This remarkable lady was truly a beacon who shined her light brightly. Earth’s loss will surely be heaven’s gain.

She is preceded in death by her parents Sido and Laura Waldschmidt and her husband Harvey Pfannstiel. She is survived by her son Jay and wife Jennifer, son Matt and wife Selena, son Barry, and 4 grandchildren Haley, Brady, Casey, and Zac, 2 great grandchildren Noel and Chloe.

A visitation and vigil for Hope will be held on May 24th, 2023, from 5 - 9 p.m. at Zoeller Funeral Home, 615 Landa Street in New Braunfels with a Rosary at 7:00 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated on May 25th, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 386 N. Castell Avenue in New Braunfels, followed by a reception at the church hall.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ZoellerFuneralHm.com for the Pfannstiel family.