Pankratz, Henry J. (1877-1968)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1968 Jun 20 p. 6

Birth date: 1877 Feb 12

text of obituary:

Retired Banker, 91, Dies at Hillsboro

Hillsboro, Kan. — Funeral services for Henry J. Pankratz, 91, well known retired banker here, were held June 11 at the Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church. He died here June 7.

Mr. Pankratz was associated with the First National Bank here for a period of 60 years, beginning in 1907 as a bookkeeper and advancing to cashier, president, and president of the board. In 1967 he was named an honorary director.

A native of Gnadenheim, South Russia, he came to America with his parents at the age of one and a half. He taught school and was in several business firms here before embarking on his banking career. He was long active in civic affairs and in his church. He and his wife became residents of Parkside Homes in 1964.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1968 Aug 1 p. 11

text of obituary:

HENRY J. PANKRATZ

Henry J. Pankratz, son of Johann P. and Margaretha Fast Pankratz, was born on Feb. 12, 1877, in the village of Gnadenheim, South Russia, and came to America with his parents at one and a half years of age. The family settled on a farm near Goessel, Kan., where he received his early education. Here he also experienced the forgiveness of sins and after baptism was received into the Goessel Mennonite Brethren Church.

He attended McPherson College, was graduated from the Commercial Course, taught school in his home community for three years, and then moved with his family to Hillsboro, where he spent the rest of his life. He was a successful pioneer businessman, working in a bookstore, hardware store, and Schaefflers before beginning his employment with the First National Bank of Hillsboro, where he invested a life of service and faithfulness. Beginning as a bookkeeper, he went on to serve as cashier, president, president of the board, and finally as an Honorary Director, having served in one capacity or another for 47 years. He retired in 1954 after having helped to make the local bank an institution dedicated to honesty and service.

In 1903 he was married to Frieda Hoffman of Elmo, Kan., and God in His grace and mercy granted them four daughters (one of whom died as a child), and allowed them to celebrate their 64th wedding anniversary last November.

During recent years he was hospitalized at various intervals, only to recuperate sufficiently so that he could return to Parkside homes, where they had lived since 1964. Several weeks ago he suffered a fall and as a result departed from this life on Friday evening, June 7, 1968, having reached the age of 91 years, three months, and 23 days.

He served in many capacities in the church, teaching Sunday school and directing the choir. He found much joy and satisfaction during the 35 years he was privileged to direct the choir. It was also his privilege to be involved in the organization of Tabor College and served as treasurer of the board for 25 years. While his primary interests lay with the church, he also was active in civic affairs and served in numerous capacities as long as health allowed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter (Lucille), two brothers and one sister. Surviving are his wife and three daughters, Melba, Mrs. John J. Regier and husband of Wichita, Alice, Mrs. B. W. Regier and husband of Bellingham, Wash., Esther, Mrs. Herman J. Regier and husband of Hillsboro; as well as nine grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends. — The Family.