Alfred A. Panke, 94, a former longtime Frankfort resident, died 7:33 a.m. June 13, 2018 at I.U. Arnett Hospital, Lafayette, Ind. He had resided at White Oak Health Campus, Monticello, Ind. for the past 7 years. Born November 30, 1923 in Josephville, MO to Peter & Rosa (Wilmes) Panke. Mr. Panke was raised in Missouri, lived in Indianapolis, Ind., Fort Wayne, Ind., Wisconsin, and Canada before moving to Frankfort in 1965. He married Mary E. “Betty” Boland on September 11, 1948 in Flint Hill, MO, and she survives.
Mr. Panke received his B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Missouri, received his MBA from Wabash College, and Business Management Degree from Indiana Uni
versity. He worked for Oster-Racine, Bowmar Fort Wayne, assisted in establishing Bowmar Canada, and then worked for Mallory Controls in Frankfort for over 30 years, retiring in 1989. He was a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corp, serving during WWII from May 1943 until June 1945. Mr. Panke was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Frankfort where he was involved in Knights of Columbus. He was past president of Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, past member and president of the Frankfort Country Club, Moose Lodge, past board of directors for the YMCA, coached Little League, was a Boy Scout Leader, and a member of the Sewing Circle. Al and his wife Betty have lived in Monticello for the past 7 years. His hobbies include golfing, fishing, and he was proud to pass on his knowledge in construction to his son and granddaughter.
Family: Wife: Mary E. “Betty” Panke of Monticello, Ind., 1 Daughter: Karen (Greg) Wysong of Monticello, Ind., Son: Dennis (Mary) Panke of Arlington, VA, 4 Grandchildren, Elizabeth (John) Berg of Indianapolis, Ind., Kristin (Chris) Mein, Katherine Panke, and Lauren Panke all of Charleston, SC. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Cynthia, in 2015, and 4 brothers and 3 sisters.
Services:
The Rosary will be recited at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, June 29, 2018 with visitation following from 12 Noon until 1:30 p.m. at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2 p.m. June 29th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 600 St. Mary’s Ave., Frankfort. Father David Rasner will officiate. Burial with Military Honors will be in Green Lawn Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or St. Mary’s Church. Please visit goodwinfuneralhome.com where you may share a personal message with the family.