Mark Norman Pankow

Mark Norman Pankow, age 72, of Merrill Wisconsin, was called to be with his Lord on, October 7, 2022, at his home with his loving wife and children at his side. Mark was born on May 27, 1950, to the late Norman and Lilamae (Ritter) Pankow in Merrill.  He was a graduate of Merrill High School, class of 1969.  Mark married his high school sweetheart, Carol Voigt, at St. John Lutheran Church in Merrill on October 10, 1970, and they were blessed with 51 years of marriage.

Mark grew up on a dairy farm in the town of Scott, not too far from his soon-to-be wife, Carol. He proudly enlisted in the United States Army on December 20, 1969, graduated from NCO Academy and then went on to serve active duty in Vietnam. Mark was honorably discharged on December 19, 1975.  After his service in the military, Mark worked as a journeyman sheet metal worker for over 30 years, until his retirement in 2015.  He was an avid outdoorsman who was passionate about hunting and fishing with family.  He loved being out in nature, especially during the Fall season, he would look forward to seeing those beautiful Fall colors.  Mark was a skilled photographer who was often seen capturing family moments with his camera. He was a fun-loving man, that looked forward to family gatherings and had a heart of gold.  He was always there for his children to lift them up and encourage them in tough times.  Mark was an optimistic person, always telling you that “it’s going to be okay; we’ll figure it out”.  He was adventurous, resilient, a great leader and problem-solver.  Mark will be sadly missed, but always in the hearts of his family and friends.

Marks leaves behind his loving wife: Carol Pankow of Merrill, WI, 5 children: Clarissa (Robert) Laak of Merrill, WI, Jessica (Nathan) Schmidt of Ogdensburg, WI, Carrie (Benjamin) Henrich of River Falls, WI, Andrew Pankow of Merrill, WI, and Amanda (Paul) Frank of Waupaca, WI, his beloved grandchildren: Katelyn, Johnathan and Matthew Schmidt, Breanna and Payton Henrich, Kelsey and Linzie Pankow and Ryan, Evan, and Owen Frank, siblings: Sharon (Norbert) Holz, Cynthia (Jerry) Buffinton, Bruce (Cindy) Pankow and Angela (Calvin) Klade, all of Merrill, along with numerous nieces, nephews and good friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother: Larrimore and sister: Corliss.

The funeral service for Mark will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 11am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill.  Pastor Stephen Gillet will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Friday, October 14, 2022, from 4pm-8pm at Trinity Lutheran Church and on Saturday morning from 10am until the time of the service, at the church.  Burial will immediately follow the service and will take place at Snow Hill Cemetery in the town of Scott.  Military honors will be conducted at the cemetery by the Merrill V.F.W. Post 1638 Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family for a future memorial or scholarship fund in loving memory of Mark.

Family wishes to extend their thanks and appreciation to Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services for their care and support shown to Mark and his family in his last days.

The funeral service will be live streamed and available for viewing on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 11am.  It can be found under his obituary on the funeral home website and will be posted as a recording for future viewing.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.