After a life of love and quiet grace, William "Bill" Pankratz, 67, has passed.
Below, the family shares some of what made his life meaningful.
William entered this world in 1946 — the start of a journey that would span 68 years.
William held deeply to the Presbyterian faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Those who live by belief leave a different kind of mark.
Marion. William Pankratz, 67, died Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at his home. Funeral services will be at 11:00am Monday, November 17, 2014 at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Marion. Visitation with family present will be from 5-7pm Sunday at the church with a Prayer Service at 7pm. Arrangements by Hofmeister Jones Funeral Home. William David Pankratz was born on November 27, 1946 at Marion, South Dakota to Harold and Charlotte (Muhmel) Pankratz. He grew up near Marion where he graduated from Marion High School in 1964. He attended South Dakota State University in Brookings where he was on the livestock judging team, graduating with a BS in animal science in 1968. After serving in the US Army he was united in marriage to Linda Dahlgard on June 15, 1973 at Lennox, SD. He farmed and raised cattle just north of Marion. He was a member of Emmanuel Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder. He also served as a 4-H Leader for over 25 years, member of the Herford Association, and served on the Monroe Township Board. Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Linda; 2 sons, Dave (Anne) and Marc (Jennifer), all of Marion; 6 grandchildren, Gavin, Odalite, Madison, Shelby, Riley, and Clayton; 2 sisters, RoseMary (James) Christenson, Katy, TX and Helen (Tom) Harty, Phillip, SD; and 2 aunts, Mildred (Ted) Schaeffer, Viborg, SD and Donna Muhmel, Scotland, SD.
