Robert Dale Pankratz

The passing of Robert D. Pankratz occurred at his residence on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the age of 68. He was an incredible and beloved husband, father, grandfather, and best friend to everyone who knew and loved him. Robert was a wonderful role model and took great pride in showing those he loved how to be a good partner, a loyal friend, and a steady presence in life.

Robert was always willing to help, often without being asked, and he loved his family deeply. His children and grandchildren were especially important to him, and he cherished spending time with them and creating lasting memories. For the past twenty-three years, Robert and his wife, Cathy, created and cared for a beautiful property he loved; his own oasis, a place he never wanted to leave. Robert enjoyed the outdoors and found great happiness in hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Robert will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Cathy Pankratz; her children, Jason Sansom (Nghi Sansom) and Carrie Condon (John Condon). His previous spouse, Pauline Dagenais, and their children: Shannon Duke, Charlotte McMurray (Darren McMurray), Michelle Spence (Greg Spence), and Scott Pankratz (Lacey Metz). He will be especially remembered by his grandchildren: Ethan and Max (Jason), Jaden and Emry (Carrie), Skyla and Aurora (Shannon), Elise and Abigail (Charlotte), Kyra (Michelle), and lastly, Hannah and Kali (Scott).

Robert will further be remembered by his brother, Wally Pankratz, and his children Steven and Kevin; his sister, Debbie (Pankratz) Kuby, and her children Jeffery and Michael; and his sister-in-law, Cheryl Kiel (Sigi Kiel)

Robert was predeceased by his parents, Ike and Shirley (Switzer) Pankratz. Rob touched the hearts of everyone he knew and will be dearly missed. Those who were fortunate enough to have known him were truly blessed.

We wish to inform everyone that there will be no funeral held at the wish of the deceased. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

The Dash

Linda Ellis1996

I read of a man who stood to speak

 At the funeral of a friend

He referred to the dates on the tombstone 

From the beginning…to the end 

He noted that first came the date of birth 

And spoke the following date with tears, 

But he said what mattered most of all 

Was the dash between those years 

For that dash represents all the time 

That they spent alive on earth. 

And now only those who loved them 

Know what that little line is worth 

For it matters not, how much we own, 

The cars…the house…the cash. What matters is how we live and love 

And how we spend our dash. 

So, think about this long and hard.

Are there things you’d like to change?

For you never know how much time is left 

That can still be rearranged. 

If we could just slow down enough 

To consider what’s true and real 

And always try to understand 

The way other people feel. 

And be less quick to anger 

And show appreciation more 

And love the people in our lives 

Like we’ve never loved before. 

If we treat each other with respect 

And more often wear a smile, 

Remembering that this special dash 

Might only last a little while. 

So, when your eulogy is being read 

With your life’s actions to rehash… 

Would you be proud of the things they say 

About how you spent YOUR dash?

He lived his dash well