Robert J. Pankau (95) of Effingham, formerly of Pesotum

Robert J. Pankau, 95, of Effingham (formerly of Pesotum) passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at Villas of Holly Brook in Effingham.

Robert was born on March 13, 1929 in Tuscola to Frank and Regina (Hausman) Pankau.  He married Betty Beccue on November 16, 1957 in Pesotum.  They spent 53 wonderful years together before her passing in 2011.

He is survived by two children, Dave (Tracey) Pankau of Effingham and Lila (Gregory) Bahr of Brownsburg, IN; five grandchildren, Sean (Jill) Pankau, Brandon (Kacie) Pankau, Desiree (Tim) Schmidt, Sarah Bahr, and Julie Bahr; five great-grandchildren, Laynee Pankau, Mason Pankau, Brookelynn Pankau, Taylor Pankau, and Sophie Schmidt; one brother, Harold (Martha) Pankau of Tuscola; and one brother-in-law, Charlie Sparks.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, one brother, Wilbur “Wib” Pankau; and one sister, Jean Sparks.

After high school Robert worked as a farmer for a few years before being drafted into the Army in 1951.  He served in the Korean war, and was honorably discharged in 1953.  He worked as a pipefitter at USI Chemical Plant in Tuscola for 35 years before retiring in 1991.  He then worked part-time for the Village of Pesotum for 10 years before fully retiring.

Robert was a member of the Pesotum American Legion, Pesotum Lions Club, and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pesotum until it closed.  He was then a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Effingham.

In his free time Robert enjoyed crossword puzzles and word searches.  He was an avid walker and bike rider and enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, his two favorite card games being Pinochle and Euchre.  Most of all, he loved to spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Villas of Holly Brook in Effingham for the amazing care they gave Robert in the last year and a half.  They also want to thank HSHS Hospice and Home Health and SPS Home Care Services, specifically Cindy and Kathy, for taking such good care of Robert.

A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Pesotum with a visitation being held an hour prior (9 a.m. – 10 a.m.) also at the church; Father Keith Walder will officiate.  Burial will follow at the St. Joseph Cemetery in Pesotum.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Villas of Holly Brook.