Linda Ann Pankau

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Linda Ann Pankau, who entered eternal life on March 8, 2026, at the age of 78 after a brief illness.

Linda was a devoted wife for 58 years to the late John H. Pankau. She is survived by her sons Jeffery (Jennifer) and their daughters Emily and Kaitlyn, and Michael (Denise) and their sons Adam and Jacob. She is further survived by her sisters Carol Charland (Bill) and Gail Jeske (Robert); her brother David Mellonig (Cindy); her niece Jill Jeske; nephews Andrew Jeske, Rick Mellonig, and Lee Mellonig; and a circle of cherished friends who brought joy and companionship throughout her life.

Linda is preceded in death by her husband John; her parents Norman and Elizabeth “Betty” (Levenhagen) Mellonig; and many dear relatives, neighbors, and friends.

John and Linda met as teenagers and were inseparable, except for the time John served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. They loved to travel – though never as often as they hoped – and Linda treasured her “sister trips” with Carol and Gail. Her home was always open, and she made sure there was room at the table for anyone who joined the family’s holiday gatherings. John mastered extending the dining room table to seat more than twenty guests, and Linda filled those gatherings with warmth, laughter, and hospitality.

Linda worked for 16 years as a Teacher’s Aide in the West Allis–West Milwaukee School District, where she touched the lives of many students and staff.

She also devoted nearly fifty years to Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., beginning in 1977 as a cashier at Summerfest. Her banking experience quickly led her into cash operations, and over the years she took on increasing responsibility, eventually supporting beverage operations, vendor coordination, and hospitality. Her strong work ethic, organizational skills, and friendly, energetic personality made her well‑loved by coworkers, volunteers, and vendors alike. She was proud of her long association with Summerfest and the friendships she built there.

Above all, Linda was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She rarely missed her grandchildren’s activities and was always ready with snacks - pretzels, peanut clusters, and her famous chocolate‑dipped Bugles. Her care packages to the grandkids at school were always eagerly awaited.

The family is deeply grateful for the kindness and support from friends and loved ones during this difficult time. A special thank‑you is extended to the staff, nurses, and aides at the Center for Advanced Care at Froedtert for the compassionate care shown to Linda.

Funeral services for both Linda and John will be held on March 23, 2026, at Mother of Perpetual Help, 2322 S. 106th Street, West Allis. Visitation will take place from 10:00–11:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard will perform Military Honors immediately after the Mass in recognition of John’s service. Interment will follow at Wisconsin Memorial Park, 13535 W. Capitol Blvd., Brookfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Linda’s name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family.