W. Dean Pankoke February 13, 1929 – March 21, 2019 Share this obituary Send Flowers Sign Guestbook| Send Sympathy Card In Memory Of Dean Pankoke A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at the Beaver Crossing Hope Center. 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. William Dean Pankoke, was born February 13, 1929 on a farm near Beaver Crossing, the 4th of six children born to Fannie (Schwaninger) and Paul Pankoke and passed away, March 21, 2019 at the Pemberly Place, Assisted Living, in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 90 years, 1 month and 8 days. As a young boy he attended Atwater District #78, and 2 years at Goehner Public School prior to graduation with the class of 1947 from Beaver Crossing Public School.
Dean always stayed in to help the younger children get their coats and shoes on to go outside to play or to make the trip home, before he would head home. He began his working life operating an earth moving machine for Rolfsmeier Construction and returned to Rolfsmeier after his service in the Armed Forces. Dean was drafted in 1951 and served in Korea.
He was discharged as a Sgt 1st class in 1953 and served four 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. Dean was united in marriage to Gwen Nelson on December 10, 1950 at the Disciples of Christ Church in Beaver Crossing.
To this union seven children, David, Jerald, Patricia, Michael, Carol, Kenneth 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.
Returning from the service, Dean again worked for Rolfsmeier Construction. In 1954 they rented a farm west of Beaver Crossing where they farmed, milked cows and sold milk and cream to Sonday’s. From 1979 until 1989, Dean worked for the Seward County Road Department and in 1989, they purchased the hardware store in Beaver Crossing which is now operated by his son.
In 1996 Dean lost his eyesight, but that did not slow him down and the minute anyone spoke to him, he knew who he was talking to. He had a wonderful personality and smile for everyone. Dean was always an active supporter of his community volunteering assistance to anyone or any activity in need.
He was a member of the American Legion Holmes Post #178, Chamber of Commerce, Farmers’ Co-op, and the I.O.O.F. He served as president of the Chamber of Commerce, on the board of directors of the Farmers Co-op, the elevator, commander and other offices of the Legion, several offices in the I.O.O.F.
local lodge and the Grand Lodge, Beaver Crossing School District, and for nine years was a member of the elevator board of directors. 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.
Dean encouraged Kenny with the operation of the Rock-Youth Center, provided the 1st tank of propane and often pizza for activities. He was instrumental in helping to organize Beaver Crossing cleanup days, repairs to the youth activities building, and encouraging fund raising activities. He is survived by his wife: Gwendolyn J. “Gwen”, children and spouses: David and Gale Pankoke, Beaver Crossing, Jerald and Cheryl Pankoke, Grand Island, Patricia and Leonard Wilsey, Lincoln, Mike and Peggy Pankoke, Beaver Crossing, Carol and Roger Capek, Milligan, Kenney and Christy Pankoke, Beaver Crossing, Annette Razo, 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.
SERVICES Visitation Monday, March 25, 2019 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Beaver Crossing United Methodist Church 708 West Street Beaver Crossing, NE 68313 Get Directions on Google Maps 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 Get Directions on Google Maps Graveside Service Tuesday, March 26, 2019 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM Beaver Crossing Cemetery Beaver Crossing, NE 68313 Get Directions on Google Maps With Military Services at graveside, followed by food and fellowship.
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