Kathy Pankratz

Kathy Anne (Rabiego) Pankratz, 68, of Neenah, WI, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2026.

She was born on September 4th, 1957 in Iron Mountain, Michigan.

Kathy's heart was with children. She spent 12 years at Kimberly Clark before following her true calling to care for children directly — as a foster parent, an in-home respite and child care provider, and more recently at The Early Learning Center Neenah, where she spent her days rocking babies to sleep, patching up scraped knees, and celebrating every wobbly first step and finger-painted masterpiece. She had a gift for making even the shyest child feel safe, and she loved nothing more than watching them grow up, year after year.

Kathy gave generously of her time, her love, and never hesitated to help a neighbor, feed a friend, or lend an ear to anyone who needed one.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Donna Van Oudenhoven.

She is survived by her husband Keith Pankratz of 41 years; her children Tonya Byers (Shaun), and Brandon Pankratz (Bethany); her grandchildren Rylee, Aidan, and Bear; her sisters Barb Anvelink (Craig), Janet Kirsling (Mark), Mary Nicholson (Nick); brothers Roger Rabiego (Mary), Raymond Rabiego (Susie); her many nieces and nephews; and her dearest friend Shirley Erickson.

Kathy will be deeply missed, but the love she gave so freely will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A memorial service for Kathy will be held at 5:00 P.M. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Neenah’s Westgor Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 3:00 P.M. until the hour of service.

The family would like to thank the staff at Oakridge Gardens for their compassionate care and loving support.