Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home & Crematory

04/21/2026

Ernest Jay Goetz

Ernest (Ernie) Jay Goetz, 66, passed away April 18, 2026.

Ernie was born December 15, 1959 in Salina, Kansas to Donald Goetz and Mary (Bieker) Goetz. He is survived by his two sisters, Barbara Hiner (Cain) of Assaria, and Rita Billips of Hoyt, his brother Joe Goetz of Hoyt, his wife, Michelle of Minneapolis; daughters; grandchildren; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Ernie graduated from Lindsborg High School in 1977 and enlisted in the US Army (active duty) where he learned multiple different operating systems to work on electronic equipment, computers, and radars until 1980 when he transitioned to the US Army Reserves and served until 1983.

In 1983, Ernie earned his Associate's degree in Electrical Engineering from Kansas Technical Institute. Immediately putting his degree to work, he was hired by NCR in Wichita, Kansas, as an Electronic Technician and Failure Analyst until 1989 when he moved to St. Louis, Missouri. In St. Louis, Ernie worked for McDonnell Douglas as a Laser Quality Assurance Technician Until 1993.

In 1993, a career change took Ernie to Norton, Kansas where he was a corrections officer from 1993-1994. In 1994, he returned to St. Louis and took on the roles of Quality Assurance Technician until 1999.

Wanting to be closer to family, Ernie moved back to Salina in 1999 and went to work for Brown & Brown Inc. as an Electronics Technician and Maintenance until 2001 when he went to work for Mid-States Energy Works from 2001-2003.

In 2001, Ernie decided to return to the military and enlisted in the US Army National Guard as Electronics Communications and Repair Technician. The lifelong bachelor met his wife, Michelle, in 2002 and they were married in Minneapolis, Kansas in 2003. In 2005, Ernie officially adopted his two daughters.

While in the US Army National Guard, Ernie worked at MATES on Ft. Riley completing inspection trips, diagnostic processes, installations, and needed repairs on a wide range of electronic equipment from 2003-2015. He was proud to serve his country and deployed with his unit to Iraq from 2009 to 2010.

From 2015-2017, Ernie worked for the United States Postal Service in Minneapolis, Kansas priding himself on speed, accuracy, friendly service, and representing the Postal Service in a positive light.

In 2017, Ernie left the postal service and deployed again with the US Army National Guard. This deployment was to Kuwait from 2017-2018 where he worked on electronics maintenance and repair.

After returning from his Kuwait deployment Ernie decided to retire from the military in 2018. Since his retirement he has had assorted part-time jobs, enjoyed helping his friends and family with projects and events, looked forward to hunting and fishing, hanging out with friends, or just sitting and reading a book.

His final deployment from this earth will be remembered with a Celebration of Life on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home with military honors starting at 4:30. If you’d like to wear your favorite sports team gear or hunting apparel that would be a great tribute.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the veterans' program of your choice.

View Ernest Jay Goetz's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/21/2026

A true legacy is about caring for the people you love, long after you’re gone.

Planning ahead allows you to protect your family from unexpected financial stress while ensuring your wishes are honored. It’s a thoughtful, meaningful way to give your loved ones peace of mind during a difficult time.

When you’re ready, we’re here to help you plan with care and confidence.

04/20/2026

George Edward Basel

George E. Basel of Abilene, Kansas, passed into paradise on Friday, April 17, 2026.

He was born on December 13, 1929 in Eureka, Kansas, the son of John Harvey and Mary Anna Johana (Hoefler) Basel.

George grew up and attended school in the Holton Area. He graduated with the class of 1947 from Wetmore Rural High School in Nemaha County.

He worked in construction which took him to Washington, Kansas, where he met the love of his life, June L. Dickson. They were married on March 19, 1949. To this union, three sons were born, Donald, Gary, and Larry.

George was employed by the local food store, Boggarts Fine Foods. He worked his way up in the company, then took a transfer to their warehouse in Concordia, Kansas. He advanced from loading to delivery. He liked driving those 18 wheelers. His time with the company was from 1952 until his retirement in 1992.

He was a good friend, brother, father, and uncle. He liked most sports but football became his favorite.

He was baptized as a Christian Witness and was a member of the First Christian Church in Concordia.

He also like fishing, boating and spending lots of time with family.

Survivors include his three sons, Don (Cindy) Basel, Gary Basel, and Larry (Nancy) Basel; five grandchildren; eight step grandchildren; a number of great great grandchildren; siblings, Louise Bickford, Harlan Basel, Walt Basel, Evelyn Vincent.

He was preceded in death by his wife, June L. Dickson; parents, John and Mary Basel; sisters, Mae Elizabeth Basel, Rovida Colton, Dorthy Cox; brothers, John H. Basel, Jr., Anthony Basel, Daniel Basel, Arthur Basel, Charles Basel, Roy Basel; and daughter-in-law, Mary D. Basel.

George’s wishes were to be cremated and no visitation will take place.

Burial will take place at a later date at the Morrowville City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Morrowville City Cemetery, in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home.

View George Edward Basel's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/20/2026

National Volunteer Week 2026 runs from April 19–25. Today, on Volunteer Appreciation Day (April 20th), we recognize the incredible individuals who give their time, compassion, and heart to others.

In moments of loss and healing, volunteers often provide comfort in ways that truly matter, through a kind gesture, a listening ear, or simply being present.

Your selflessness helps strengthen our community and brings light to those who need it most. Thank you for all that you do.

04/17/2026

One of the biggest advantages of preplanning is the ability to make informed financial decisions, on your terms.

Taking time now to explore options and plan ahead can help protect your family from unexpected costs and added stress in the future.

A little planning today can make a big difference tomorrow.

04/16/2026

National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) on April 16, 2026, encourages individuals to document their medical wishes through advance directives. The initiative focuses on normalizing conversations about end-of-life care, ensuring healthcare providers and families know a patient's preferences, and reducing the burden of decision-making during crises.

04/15/2026

Serving families is truly an honor, and your trust means everything to us.

If we’ve had the privilege of helping your family, whether in a time of need or through preplanning, we would be grateful if you shared your experience. Your kind words not only mean a great deal to us, but they also help guide other families when they need it most.

04/15/2026

Jeanna Marie Pohlman

Jeanna Marie Pohlman, 69, of Solomon, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Jeanna was born on October 3, 1956, in Wichita, Kansas, to Sherry (Davis) and Lloyd Coulter.

Throughout her life, Jeanna was a hardworking and caring individual. She was employed at Eagle Radio, the Salina Journal, and in insurance sales. No matter where she worked, she stayed busy and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Jeanna married the love of her life, Kevin Pohlman, on January 15, 1992. They shared many happy years together and especially enjoyed spending time fishing, a pastime they both deeply cherished.

In her free time, Jeanna enjoyed playing women’s fast-pitch softball, where she proudly played catcher. She never met a stranger and had a gift for striking up conversations with anyone she met.

She is survived by her husband, Kevin Pohlman; her children, Jessica Shirack and Josh Shirack (Miranda); her sisters, Jill Duhr (Craig) and Jody Moser; her brothers, Tony Coulter (Rhonda) and Neal Coulter; her sister-in-law, Rita Glover (Bob); her brother-in-law, Terry Pohlman (Jaquania); her mother-in-law, Jolene Pohlman; and many beloved grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Jeanna was preceded in death by her parents; her father-in-law, Charles Pohlman; her sister-in-law, Pam; and her niece, Jordie.

A memorial gathering will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home.

The family requests memorial donations be made to the Salina Animal Shelter, in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home.

View Jeanna Marie Pohlman's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/14/2026

Sid Krofft, the Canadian-born entertainment wizard who teamed with his brother and fellow puppeteer Marty Krofft to create such cult favorites as children’s 1960s TV show “H.R. Pufnstuf,” has died at age 96.

https://buff.ly/JDgwhO5

Sid Krofft has died at age 96. The Canadian-born entertainment wizard teamed with his brother Marty to create 1960s cult favorites like children's TV show “H.R.

04/14/2026

April marks the Month of the Military Child, celebrating the resilience of nearly 2 million military-connected children worldwide. Featuring the theme "Military Children and Youth: Strength in Every Story," the month includes the official "Purple Up! Day" on April 15, 2026, encouraging everyone to wear purple to show support.

04/13/2026

Norbert "Norb" Lee Pfannenstiel

Norbert Lee Pfannenstiel, 94, of Salina, Kansas, passed away Thursday, April 9th, at Eaglecrest Retirement Community.

Norb was born in Hays, Kansas on June 17, 1931, a son of Philomena (Leiker) and Celestine Pfannenstiel.

He attended St. Joseph Military Academy in Hays, Kansas, now known as Thomas More Prep.

On June 1, 1953, Norb married Dolores "Jeanie" (Werth) Pfannenstiel in Schoenchen, Kansas. After raising their children in Norton, they moved to Salina where they spent the last 40 + years.

Norb proudly served as Quartermaster Staff Sergeant in the United States Army from 1952 – 1954.

He was a dedicated businessman with Duckwall's, Coast to Coast Hardware, True Value Hardware, Archer Petroleum, and Laboratory Corporation of America. He was also a Senator with the Junior Chamber of Commerce International and an active member of the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International.

His faith was central to his life. He was a member of Emmanuel Christian Center, where he led Home Group Bible Studies and served faithfully as a church usher, greeter, and member of the Men’s Group.

Prayers were sent up every morning during his devotions with Jeanie. He continued his morning devotions even after Jeanie passed. Norb’s love for the Lord could always be seen through his kind, gentle, sweet spirit in all his relationships with others. He truly wanted others to know and love the Lord as well.

Survivors include his two daughters, Cynthia Meter (David), of Great Bend, Debra Thompson (James), of Olathe; and his son, Kevin Pfannenstiel, of Irving, Texas.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brent Meter (Laura), of Overland Park, Blake Pfannenstiel, of Aurora, Colorado, Brianna Kunze(Jason), of Wamego, and Katrina McKee (Ryan), of Aurora, Colorado; and 3 great grandchildren, Gannon, Keely, Jase.

Norb is also survived by five sisters, Esther Wasinger, of Hays, Louise Dechant, of Liebenthal, Rosie Werth, of Hays, Charlene Werth, of Hays, Sandra Keil, of Hays, and his brother, Clifford Pfannenstiel, of Hays.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dolores "Jeanie" Pfannenstiel; son, Steven Pfannenstiel; brothers, Harvey Pfannenstiel, Lester Pfannenstiel, Terrence Pfannenstiel; sisters, Agnes Pfannenstiel, Theresa Pfannenstiel, and Marie Gabel.

Norb's wishes were to be cremated.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Emmanuel Church in Salina, Kansas with Pastor Blaine Herron officiating.

The family requests donations to Emmanuel Church, in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home.

View Norbert "Norb" Lee Pfannenstiel's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/13/2026

A meaningful farewell can bring comfort in ways words cannot.

A dove or butterfly release is a beautiful, symbolic tribute, representing love, remembrance, and the beginning of healing. It offers a gentle moment to reflect, let go, and honor a life in a truly memorable way.

We’re here to help you create a service that feels personal, meaningful, and uniquely theirs.