Robert Pankratz

Robert J. Pankratz, age 80, of Wisconsin Rapids passed away Sunday, September 21, 2025, at his residence.

Services will be at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until the time of services on Saturday at the funeral home.

There will also be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, October 26, 2025, beginning at 11:00 A.M. at the NEPCO Lake Shelter House.
Robert was born February 11, 1945, in the Town of Sherry, Wood County, Wisconsin to Philip and Rose (Mancl) Pankratz. He married Jeanette Korslin on November 26, 1966.

He served his country in the United States Army for three years and was stationed in France. After service, he worked as an auto body repairman. He was then hired by Consolidated Papers Inc./Stora Enso, retiring in 2001 after 32 years of service.

Robert was a jokester and loved making people laugh. He had too many hobbies to include them all and was talented at so many things. He was musical and enjoyed singing around a campfire, playing guitar, harmonica, and accordion. He made homemade wine, cut lumber, worked on old engines, and restored cars. He loved hunting, boating, fishing, and being outdoors. He enjoyed woodworking and built beautiful furniture for his girls and others along with creative lawn ornaments and furniture. Family was always important to him and he enjoyed visits with family and friends.

Robert was a “Jack of All Trades”. He could build anything, fix anything, and do anything. He was not done yet but God has now called him to help in Heaven.

Robert is survived by his wife Jeanette; children: Tammy (Dave) Kiwak, Kimberly (Steve) Frye, Tonya Platta (Jason Apps); grandchildren: Robert Frye, Destiny Frye, Kiara Kiwak, and Trevor (Katie) Platta; great-grandchild Casen Platta; siblings: Pat Kreutzer, Dale (Mary) Pankratz, and Cathy (Alan) Habeck; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Michelle; brother Jerry Pankratz; and sister Barb Bubla.

Thank you, Father Redfern, for giving Robert his last rites.