Georgianna Pankratz

Georgianna Pankratz, age 86, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus surrounded by love on Monday, May 4, 2026. She was born on March 10, 1940, daughter of the late Charles and Lucille (Barrett) Mader.

On October 3, 1959, Georgianna married the love of her life, James “Jim” Pankratz, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Appleton. Together, they built a life centered on devotion, laughter, and love. She was a woman who valued connection and companionship. Georgianna was an active member of several card groups and enjoyed many lively games of dominoes and bridge with friends. She and Jim also spent many happy years bowling together in a league, creating lasting friendships and memories along the way. Georgianna especially treasured her time at the family cottage on Moshawquit Lake, where she found peace, relaxation, and the joy of spending time with family. A devoted Wisconsin sports fan, she rarely missed cheering on her favorite teams: the Brewers, Packers, Badgers, and Bucks. Her enthusiasm and loyalty brought an extra spark to every game day.

Georgianna’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She had a deep and abiding love for the Lord, which she expressed through her involvement in Bible study groups and her daily living. Her quiet strength and unwavering belief were an inspiration to those around her. Above all, Georgianna cherished her family. They were her greatest joy, something beautifully reflected in the countless photos that covered her refrigerator—a simple but powerful testament to her love and pride. She found happiness in every moment spent with her children and loved ones, but she especially valued being the most wonderful “Gram” to all of her grandchildren creating many lasting memories they will forever cherish.

Georgianna will be remembered for her strong faith, her boundless love for family, and her warm, welcoming spirit. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, devotion, and cherished memories that will live on in all who knew her.

Georgianna is survived by her daughters: Chris (Paul) Rammer and Wendy (Mike) Widi; grandchildren: Matthew Rammer, Melissa (Joe) Thiel, Nicole (Ray) Berna, James Rammer, Stephanie (Elijah) Powell, Jessica (Kevin) Hohnberger, David Hall, and Tom (Abbie) Hall; great grandchildren: James Thiel, Cayson Thiel, Griffin Thiel, Sophie Thiel, Everett Thiel, Nora Jane Powell, Caylee Hohnberger, Isaiah (fiance Alex Sievert) Hohnberger, Tyler Hohnberger, Payton Hohnberger, Jojo Hohnberger, Camey Hall, Savannah Beyer, Mason Hall, Maddox Hall, and Jaxson Hall; beloved sister, Julia “Judy” (James) Ebben; as well as many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and God Children.

In addition to her parents, Georgianna was preceded in death by her loving husband, James “Jim” Pankratz; brothers: Charles “Chuck” “Skip” Mader and Louis Mader; God child, Jeffrey Mader; and sister-in-law, Janice Mader. She is further preceded in death by several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

A Funeral Service for Georgianna will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond St., Appleton. Visitation will begin at the funeral home at 3:00 p.m. and will continue until the time of the service. To view the full obituary, please visit www.valleyfh.com. Memorials may be directed to LEAVEN in Georgianna’s memory.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of St. Paul’s Elder Services, especially Ktiele, for taking such wonderful care of Georgianna.

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