WAUWATOSA- Born to Eternal Life surrounded by his loving family, at his home as was his wish. On Monday, September 2, 2024. Age 96.  Beloved husband for 66 years of Katie (nee Schultz). Dear father of Pete Pankratz, Paul (Heidi) Pankratz, Kathy Danning, Dick (Claire) Pankratz, Mary (Gary) Evenson, and Beth (Tim) Allaire. Loving grandfather of Tim Woldt and Sara (Chris) Lindholm; Tess (Pete) Schommer, Mary Grace Pankratz (Jordi), Emma Pankratz (Jake) and Lillie Pankratz;  Katie Danning and Lauren (Jorge) Gonzalez; Hunter (Morgan) Pankratz, Jack (Rosie) Pankratz and Avery Pankratz (fiancé Tim); Gretchyn (Jack) Karch, Carrie (Nick) Kiekhaefer and Heather (David) Voss; Sara  Allaire (Austin), Tim Allaire and Lauren Allaire. Loving great-grandfather of Vera and Oscar Lindholm; Elena, Emma and Enzo Gonzalez; Madi, Cole, Katelyn and Will Karch; Owen and Addison Kiekhaefer; Brityn, George and Lexi Voss.   Further survived by his sister, Mary Franke; his brother-in-law, Les Borman; his sister-in-law, Betty Schultz; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

Preceded in death by his parents Max and Agnes (nee Einberger), sisters, Kathleen, Phyllis and Maxine; and his brothers-in-law, Ray, Arthur, Norb, Bob and Bill.

John was born and raised in Valders, Wisconsin.  After high school he joined the U.S. Army and served two tours of duty at the end of WWII in the Philippines and stateside.  After leaving the service, he attended Spencerian Business College in Milwaukee.  His accounting degree served him well, leading him to a job at Spancrete Industries Inc. where he worked until the age of 83, a total of 57 years.

In 1958 he married Kathleen “Katie” Schultz and together they raised 6 children. John was a man of few words, remarkable generosity, great wisdom, deep integrity, and most of all an unyielding faith.  John’s priorities were his God, his family, his country and his friends. 

Visitation will be Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 9:00am until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am at Blessed Savior Catholic Church, 8545 W. Villard Avenue, Milwaukee.   Private interment Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary in Waukesha, Blessed Savior Catholic Church or the charity of your choice appreciated.