Roman Pankratz

Roman August Pankratz was born September 13, 1920 in Brookville Township, Redwood County, the son of Alexander and Anna (Fernkes) Pankratz. After growing up on the Pankratz farm, he served aboard ship in the U.S. Navy during World War II in both the European and Pacific campaigns. Following his honorable discharge he returned home and was united in marriage to Adeline M. Johnson of rural Sleepy Eye on October 6, 1949. Roman and Adeline farmed the original Pankratz farm in Brookville Township for many years. Roman also worked as a boiler operator at the Springfield Public Utilities, and as boiler foreman for the Crystal Sugar Cooperative in Renville, MN. They moved to Springfield following retirement and Adeline passed away in 1990. Roman was a member of St. Raphael's Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, and was also a member of John Watson American Legion Post #257. He enjoyed riding his Harley, playing cards, his family and visiting with his friends at the Springfield Airport. Roman August Pankratz died Saturday, March 5, 2005 at St. John Lutheran Home in Springfield at the age of 84 years. Survivors include children- Gordon and wife Joleen (Zarn) Pankratz of Columbus, WI, Barbara Pankratz of Minneapolis, Beverly and husband Herb Andresen of Phoenix, AZ, and Janet and husband Peter Schmidt of Dover, MN; 4 grandchildren; and 1 great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife- Adeline; and brothers- Henry, Clarence and Robert.