Gerald E. Pankratz, age 77, of Glidden, WI, and formerly of St. Peter, died June 22, 2009, at Ashland, WI. Funeral services were held June 27, 2009, at the Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in Glidden with burial in the church cemetery.

Jerry was born December 16, 1931, in St. Peter, the son of Leo A. and Eleanor (Hughes) Pankratz. He attended St. Peter schools. Jerry was employed for many years at the St. Peter State Hospital as a counselor, OT and a CNA. He was an accomplished woodworker. As well, Jerry was a member of Le Sueur County Pioneer Power Association and an early member of the MN Valley Stock Car Racing Association.

In 1951, Jerry married Donna Mae Kahlow. They later divorced. In May 1972, he married Ruth Vanderberg at Sioux Falls. Upon Ruth’s retirement several years ago, the Pankratzes realized a shared dream when they bought property and moved to the Chequemegon-Nicollet National Forest near Glidden.

Jerry is survived by wife Ruth of Glidden; two daughters, Beverly (Don) Attenberger of rural Le Center, Theresa (Peter) Rheaume of St. Peter; and one son Steven of Washington. He is also survived by nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; two brothers Joe (Donna) Pankratz of St. Peter and Leroy (Susan) Pankratz of Golden, CO. Jerry is also survived by nieces, nephews and cousins as well as many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, in 1993, and his mother, in 1999.