W. Dean Pankoke Obituary (1929

In Memory OfDean PankokeA Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at the Beaver Crossing Hope Center, with Pastors Tamara Holtz and Brian Houston officiating. Interment will be in the Beaver Crossing Cemetery with military services, with the meal to follow. Visitation will be Monday 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm with family present from 6-8pm at the Beaver Crossing United Methodist Church. Memorials have been established to the Beaver Crossing Cemetery Association and the Salem Cemetery Association. Pallbearers are: Mitchell, Marshal, Brent, Benjamin, Paul, Ryan, and Kyle Pankoke, Braden Capek, James Wilsey, and Corey Harouff. Dean Pankoke was born February 13, 1929, the 4th of six children born to Paul and Fannie (Schwaniger) Pankoke, on a farm south of Goehner, Nebraska, and passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2019 in Lincoln at the age of 90. As a young boy he attended Atwater School District #78, two years at Goehner Public School and later graduated with the class of 1947 from Beaver Crossing High School. Dean always stayed in to help the younger children get their coats and shoes on to go play outside or make the trip home before he would head home himself.Dean was united in marriage at the Disciples of Christ Church in Beaver Crossing to Gwendolyn Nelson on December 10, 1950. To this union seven children, David, Jerry, Patricia, Michael, Carol, Kenny and Annette were born. Dean was a faithful, loyal good husband, father and grandfather. He will be sorely missed by all his family and the many friends he has touched with his kindness over the years.He began his working life operating an earth moving machine for Rolfsmeier Construction and returned to Rolfsmeier after his military service in the Armed Forces. Dean was drafted in 1951 and served in the US Army in Korea. He was discharged as a Sgt 1st class in 1953 and served 4 years in the reserves. During his active duty he was a survey chief in the Artillery division where his responsibility was to locate the enemy troops. He received a Bronze Star for meritorious service. Upon returning from the service he began farming north of Beaver Crossing. They also milked dairy cows and sold milk and cream to Sonday's store. As the children grew up and the boys took over the farm, Dean began working for the Seward County Road Department where he stayed for 10 years. In 1989, Dean and Gwen purchased the hardware store in Beaver Crossing, which is now owned by his youngest son. After losing his eyesight in 1996, Dean was remarkable in his ability to recognize anyone by their voice. In 1997 they moved into Beaver Crossing. Dean was an active supporter of his community volunteering assistance to anyone or with any activity needed. He was a 50+ year member of the American Legion Holmes Post #178, 40+ year member of the Beaver I.O.O.F Lodge #124, served as president of the Chamber of Commerce, and on the board of directors for the Farmer's Co-op, served as the commander and other offices of the Legion and several offices in the I.O.O.F local and Grand Lodge, Beaver Crossing School District. He was a long-time member of the Salem UMC until 1996 when he transferred his membership to the Beaver Crossing UMC. He received the Sports Fan of the year in 1970 given by the C Club of Centennial.He is survived by his wife Gwen and his children and spouses: David and Gale Pankoke, Beaver Crossing, Jerry and Cheryl Pankoke, Grand Island, Patricia and Leonard Wilsey, Lincoln, Mike and Peggy Pankoke, Beaver Crossing, Carol and Roger Capek, Milligan, Kenny and Christy Pankoke, Beaver Crossing and Annette Pankoke, Lincoln, 24 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren, sister Pauline Gross, Westminster, CO, sister-in-law, Irene Pankoke, Winfield, IA, nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister and brother, and his brothers Elgin and Loren, and brother-in-law Richard Gross, nephew, Wayne Pankoke. With family greeting relatives and friends from 6-8 pm With Military Services at graveside, followed by food and fellowship. SERVICES Visitation Monday, March 25, 2019 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Beaver Crossing United Methodist Church 708 West Street Beaver Crossing, NE 68313 With family greeting relatives and friends from 6-8 pm Funeral Service Tuesday, March 26, 2019 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Beaver Crossing Hope Center Beaver Crossing, NE 68313 Graveside Service Tuesday, March 26, 2019 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM Beaver Crossing Cemetery Beaver Crossing, NE 68313 With Military Services at graveside, followed by food and fellowship.