Obituary

Josephine R. Pankratz died Wednesday (Oct. 13, 2010) at Presbyterian Manor in Newton. Josephine was born on Nov. 7, 1918, in Ford County. She grew up on a farm with eight brothers and sisters, and there learned principles of family love, faith and usefulness that guided her life. She met her husband, Waldo, in 1940, when both were school teachers in Kingsdown. They were married on March 28, 1942. Together, their lives were devoted to one another and to family, and they made a happy home for their three sons. Josephine worked as a school librarian, teacher and homemaker. After Waldo died in 1990, following a long illness, she turned her caring energy back toward family and friends, old and new, and tried never to let a day pass without doing something to help or encourage someone else. She sustained others in times of discouragement and grief. She grew vegetables and prepared meals that dazzled her family and friends. She seemed kind, unselfish, loving and effective in everything she undertook. Her family and friends will miss her and will always carry with them the memory of her bright and loving nature. She is survived by her three sons and their spouses, Mike Pankratz (Cynthia) of Vashon, Wash., Tim Pankratz (Martha) of Tucson, Ariz., and Randy Pankratz (Charlotte) of Newton; grandchildren, Ben Oleson of Seattle, Mary and Michael Pankratz of Tucson, and Lily Pankratz of Topeka; sisters, Charyl Strandt of Milwaukie, Ore., Myrna Lucas of Johnson, and Delva Butts of Mulvane; and one brother, Ercel Close of Kingsdown. She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Waldo C. Pankratz in 1990; a grandson, Timothy Pankratz; sisters, Nettie Hanner and Leone Reazin; and brothers, Lenes Close and Leon Close. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today (Oct. 15) with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7 p.m., at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday (October 16, 2010) at Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 N. Anderson in Newton.