Obituary for Marian L Furst (Pfannenstiel)
Marian L. Furst, 64, of Dubuque, died at home surrounded by her loving family on Friday, March 08, 2019, after a sixteen-month fight against pancreatic cancer. Marian was a loving and adventurous wife; encouraging mother, aunt and grandma; supportive big sister and friend; energetic teacher; engaged member of the Dubuque and Resurrection communities; and “practically perfect in every way.” She loved supporting her former students, quilting, playing music, biking and swimming, spending time with her friends and family, and eating chocolate. Marian lived a full and blessed life and was so incredibly grateful for all of you.
Visitation will be from 3 to 8 pm Monday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road, where there will be a wake service at 7:30pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am Tuesday at the Church of the Resurrection with lunch following at the Dubuque Golf & Country Club.
Marian, known as “Mimi” to her many nieces & nephews, was born April 9, 1954, in Dodge City, Kansas, daughter of Alvin and Catherine (Banks) Pfannenstiel. She received a BS degree in education from Northwest Missouri State, an MA in education from Ball State University, and a graduate certification in music performance from Clarke University.
On May 23, 1976, she married Kenneth Furst, her great love. They moved to Dubuque in 1983 and Marian found a community to call home. For the last 36 years, Marian has impacted many people through a variety of organizations, from teaching music at Resurrection for 16 years, to serving as a member of Resurrection Church, President of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Board, the Dubuque Chorale Board, Julian Dubuque Film Festival, GBGF Book Club, and Swim Moms, and volunteering at various schools. She also continued to support her former students by attending performances and encouraging their pursuits.
She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Furst of Dubuque; three children, Amanda (Scott Johnson) Furst of Minneapolis, MN, Sarah (Bjorn) Hill of Dubuque and Zachary (Dr. Hanna Zembrzuska) Furst of Iowa City, IA; grandchildren, Jensen and Anders Hill, Duncan Johnson, and William Furst.
She is also survived by four siblings, Marguerite (Chris) Hughes of Red Oak, IA, Teresa (Steve) Bryant of Lee’s Summit, MO, Steven (Amy) Pfannenstiel of Shawnee, KS, and Ellen (Wes) Gates of Leewood, KS, and her many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Paul.
To celebrate Marian, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Education & Outreach Fund or Hospice of Dubuque. We would also like to thank the many caregivers that helped Marian, especially Dr. Mark Hermann, Paula, Marguerite, and Teresa.
Visitation will be from 3 to 8 pm Monday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road, where there will be a wake service at 7:30pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am Tuesday at the Church of the Resurrection with lunch following at the Dubuque Golf & Country Club.
Marian, known as “Mimi” to her many nieces & nephews, was born April 9, 1954, in Dodge City, Kansas, daughter of Alvin and Catherine (Banks) Pfannenstiel. She received a BS degree in education from Northwest Missouri State, an MA in education from Ball State University, and a graduate certification in music performance from Clarke University.
On May 23, 1976, she married Kenneth Furst, her great love. They moved to Dubuque in 1983 and Marian found a community to call home. For the last 36 years, Marian has impacted many people through a variety of organizations, from teaching music at Resurrection for 16 years, to serving as a member of Resurrection Church, President of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Board, the Dubuque Chorale Board, Julian Dubuque Film Festival, GBGF Book Club, and Swim Moms, and volunteering at various schools. She also continued to support her former students by attending performances and encouraging their pursuits.
She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Furst of Dubuque; three children, Amanda (Scott Johnson) Furst of Minneapolis, MN, Sarah (Bjorn) Hill of Dubuque and Zachary (Dr. Hanna Zembrzuska) Furst of Iowa City, IA; grandchildren, Jensen and Anders Hill, Duncan Johnson, and William Furst.
She is also survived by four siblings, Marguerite (Chris) Hughes of Red Oak, IA, Teresa (Steve) Bryant of Lee’s Summit, MO, Steven (Amy) Pfannenstiel of Shawnee, KS, and Ellen (Wes) Gates of Leewood, KS, and her many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Paul.
To celebrate Marian, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Education & Outreach Fund or Hospice of Dubuque. We would also like to thank the many caregivers that helped Marian, especially Dr. Mark Hermann, Paula, Marguerite, and Teresa.