Helen Pankratz

Helen G. Pankratz, age 102, of Henderson, NE, died Sunday, January 10, 2010 at Henderson. She was born December 26, 1907 at Quincy, WA to Henry and Aganatha (Bruks) Mierau. Helen and Alvin J. Pankratz were united in marriage on June 27, 1926 at Henderson. They owned and operated the Henderson Locker for several years. Helen also worked as a nurse’s aide at the Henderson Nursing Home for seven years. She enjoyed gardening and spending time with her family.

Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Inez Epp of Henderson, NE and son, Joe (Em) Pankratz also of Henderson. Helen leaves behind one grandson, Michael (Carol) Epp of Henderson; four granddaughters, Debra (Milan) Mierau of Henderson, Kelli (Marc) Peters of Henderson, Kerri Pankratz of Henderson, and Kris (Steve) Newman of Leander, TX; 13 great grandchildren and 23 great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Martha M. Friesen of Henderson and Thelma Fagler of Lincoln, NE; sister-in-law, Elda Friesen of Henderson, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, four brothers, eight sisters, and son-in-law Owen L. Epp.

Committal services were held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at Metz Mortuary, Henderson. Burial was in the Bethesda Cemetery in Henderson. Memorial services were at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday at the Bethesda Mennonite Church in Henderson, with the Reverends Jim Voth and Andrea Wall officiating. Memorials may be directed to the Bethesda Radio Fund.