William J. Pankratz, 91, of Burlington, passed away Monday, June 12, 2017, at Burlington Health & Rehab Center.
Born in Valders, on April 17, 1926, he was the son of Bernard and Hilda (nee Einberger) Pankratz. He spent his early life in Valders where he graduated from Valders High School in 1944. Bill proudly served his country with the US Navy during WWII Pacific Theater Campaign. He was a landing craft pilot (coxswain) with a Marine battalion in the Battles of Okinawa, Japan.
On October 22, 1949, at St. Charles Catholic Church, he was united in marriage to Marion K. Zimmermann. Following marriage they made their home in Burlington where they raised their family. Marion preceded him in death on February 9, 2017, after 67 years of marriage. Bill worked for Burlington Wholesale Foods, retiring in 1988. He was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church, the VFW, and the American Legion.
Bill and Marion proudly raised six kids. He enjoyed family get-togethers and being with his grandchildren. He was always joking around, loved making mom laugh and the grandkids giggle. He was the life of the party. He enjoyed fishing, golf and the Green Bay Packers. Mom and Dad lovingly had their daughter Penny in their care for 33 of her adult years. He was loved by his friends, neighbors and will be greatly missed by all.
A couple who were always together left us four months apart. “Leave it to Beaver” had nothing on our life growing up at 201.
Bill is survived by his children, Penny Hallett of Burlington, Patti (Michael) Schiller of Rochester, Minn., Mary Jo (Jeff) Mehring of Burlington, Ann Pieters of Burlington, Tracy (Clint) Smith of Peoria, Ariz. and James (Lisa) Pankratz of Burlington; 17 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; brothers, Skip (Ginny), Bob, and Dan (Barb); nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marion; sister, Marge Bushman; great granddaughter, Corianna; and dear friends, Jim Schott, Hans McCarthy and Sam Jochem. He has now happily joined his family, friends and “bow-wows” Elvis and Boots.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to St. Charles Church, St. Charles School, or Love, Inc.
Mass of Christian Burial for Bill will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2017, at noon at St. Charles Church. Burial will follow with full military honors in St. Charles Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be on Friday, June 16, 2017 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home.
Well-wishers can visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com
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