Mary Alma Pankratz

MADISON - Mary Alma Pankratz, a kind fun-loving soul, passed peacefully on April 1, 2024, with the love of her life, Bob Pankratz, by her side. Born to Lawrence and Virginia (Hanley) Post on Oct. 28, 1948, Mary attended Madison East High School graduating in 1966. For more than 30 years, Mary worked for the State of Wisconsin finishing her career as a program assistant at the UW Carbone Cancer Center where she often joked that she started at the Cancer Center BC (before Carbone). Mary met her soul mate, Bob, at the Copper Grid after a Wisconsin football game in 1978 where they discovered each held UW season tickets - Mary for hockey and Bob for football. The two married not long after on Norwegian Independence Day, Saturday, May 17, 1980, and for the next 43 years they cherished their time and adventures together.

Mary shared her love of Wisconsin sports with Bob, attending UW football and basketball games, traveling to Brewers games and PGA tournaments, and joining the Madison Sports Hall of Fame. Mary’s memory was sharp no matter the subject, but especially when it came to sports. Friends and family knew they could count on Mary to recall the name of that player or which school had the best record. Mary also enjoyed playing golf and proudly scored an eagle. Every spring Mary would look forward to playing golf with her friends in the Ladies Golf League at Odana golf course. Mary served as secretary for the league for many years.

A lifelong resident of Madison, Mary also shared a keen interest in travel with Bob before and after retirement. The pair visited nearly all 50 states and traveled extensively in Europe and Mexico. Mary’s favorite trips with dear friends in recent times included European river cruises and a tour of Ireland. Nearer to home, Mary worked hard never to miss a family reunion or family gathering. She served as an inspiration to friends and family over the years. First-time acquaintances often became instant and lasting friends, always appreciating Mary’s good humor and generosity. When Mary and Bob were not exploring all that Madison has to offer, Mary could be found watching Jeopardy, catching up on sports or news, or working a Sudoku or jigsaw puzzle.

Mary is survived by her husband, Robert; brothers, Larry (Betty) Post, Tom (Vicki Harris) Post and David Post; brother-in-law, Jim (Donna) Pankratz; and nephews, Michael Pankratz, Paul (Susan) Post and Todd (Michele) Post. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Virginia; and by her beloved sister, Theresa.

The family would like to acknowledge all the love and support provided by Agrace both at home and at the Agrace facility in Fitchburg with a special recognition to home hospice nurse Melissa and certified nursing assistant Courtney.

A Memorial Mass will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 22, 2024, with Father Michael Radowicz presiding. A celebration of life gathering will follow the Mass at OLBRICH BOTANICAL GARDENS, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison.

Memorials may be gifted in Mary’s name to AgraceHospice Care. Flowers may be sent to Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care for Mary’s celebration of life gathering.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420