Gwendolyn Jeanne Pankoke was born Nov. 25, 1929, in Walla Walla, Washington, and passed away March 20, 2022, in Milligan, at the age of 92.
Gwen’s mother, Lula Nelson, died in child birth, so her grandparents Carl and Margaret Nelson brought her back to Utica and raised her. Gwen attended Utica Public School through fifth grade. The family then moved to Beaver Crossing, where she finished school, graduating with the class of 1949. Gwen went to Oklahoma City to help her aunt and was a clerk at a store.
On Dec. 10, 1950, she was joined in marriage to Dean Pankoke. To this union, seven children, David, Jerry, Patricia, Michael, Carol, Kenny and Annette were born. After Dean’s year of service in Korea, they moved to a farm near Beaver Crossing where they lived and raised their family. In 1996, they moved to Beaver Crossing after Dean lost his eyesight. Later, due to health concerns, they moved to Seward and later to Lincoln. Upon Dean’s passing, Gwen moved in with her daughter, Carol, and her family, returning to the life she loved, being on the farm. This is where she passed away peacefully surrounded by family. She will be sorely missed by all her family and the many friends she has touched with her kindness over the years.
During her life journey, she was a member of Salem UMC where she served two years as the president of the United Methodist Women, and one year on the nominating committee. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Chamber of Commerce, Kensington Club and later a member of the Beaver Crossing United Methodist Women, volunteering whenever she was needed until her health problems slowed her down.
Left to cherish her memory are sons and daughters, David and Gale Pankoke of Beaver Crossing, Jerry and Cheryl Pankoke of Grand Island, Pat and Leonard Wilsey of Lincoln, Mike and Peggy Pankoke of Beaver Crossing, Carol and Roger Capek of Milligan, Kenny and Christy Pankoke of Beaver Crossing and Annette and Jerry Allen of Pleasant Dale; 24 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; special cousins, Vicki and Brad Windsor and Sherri and Tom Gray, both of Oklahoma; sister-in-law, Pauline Gross of Colorado; and a host of other relatives and friends.
The funeral service will be Friday March 25, at 10:30 a.m. at the Beaver Crossing United Methodist Church. Visitation will be Thursday, March 24, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the church. Burial following the service at Beaver Crossing Cemetery. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.lauberfh.com.
