William E. 'Bill' Pankonin

Friday, February 15, 2008

Oct. 2, 1947-Feb. 12, 2008

BENKELMAN -- William E. "Bill" Pankonin, 60, died Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008, at Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Neb.

He was born Oct. 2, 1947, to Edward and Gladys (Pollard) Pankonin at Grant, Neb. Bill attended country school near Enders, Neb., until the sixth grade, then attended school in Enders for his seventh and eighth grade years. He finished the rest of his schooling in Imperial, Neb.

On Feb. 12, 1966, Bill was united in marriage to Sharon Mae Snyder. This union was blessed with four children; Donald, Sandy, Melinda, and Kristie. Bill and his family made their home in Chase County, Neb., where he worked as a farmer. It was here where Bill also began Golden Gloves Boxing, in 1967 at Grant, and Valentine, Neb.

On May 1, 1980, Bill married Clara Bea Nichols. They made their home in Benkelman, and soon Bill adopted Clara's son, Todd. Bill worked as a farmer, truck driver, mechanic, and a road worker for Dundy County.

Bill loved his family very much, and looked forward to spending time with both his family and friends. He participated in Golden Glove Boxing for two years, and later became interested in building and working on race cars. He raced in Benkelman for several years and won numerous races and trophies. Bill was also a gun enthusiast, and enjoyed reloading and shooting his rifles. He will be deeply missed by those who came to know him.

His parents, Ed and Marie Pankonin precede him in death.

Survivors include his wife, Clara Pankonin of Benkelman, Nebraska; daughters, Sandy Vandike and husband, Denis, also of Benkelman, Melinda Pankonin of McCook, Neb., Kristie Mae Pankonin of Benkelman, Neb.; sons, Donald Pankonin of Imperial, Neb., Todd Pankonin of Benkelman, Neb.; sisters, Gladys Shafer of McCook, Neb., Mattie Parrett of Norton, Kan.; brothers, Jim Pankonin and wife, Joyce of Imperial, Neb., Dick Pankonin of Minatare, Neb.; 12 grandchildren, Philip, Lauren, Victoria, Michael, Christopher, Tyler, Kyle, Brandon, Bradly, Sydney, Michael, and Dakota; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman, Nebraska, with the Rev. George Mathews officiating. Services will conclude at the church with a private inurnment taking place at a later date.

There will be no visitation or viewing. Memorials may be given in his name.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.