Eugene "Gene" Pannkuk

Eugene "Gene" Pannkuk, 88, passed away, Monday March 24, 2025. Eugene was born on December 23, 1936, in Buffalo Center, IA to Minert and Sadie (Ruter) Pannkuk. He graduated from Shannon High School in 1954. After school he enlisted into the US Army where he served as a sergeant. After his time in the service he came home to help his father on the family farm. On March 5 1967 he married Kathryn "Katy" Rosista Teitsort. They moved to Shannon where they started their own farm and began raising a family. In 1986 he began working as a custodian + maintenance at Forreston Grade School. He loved working around all the teachers and students and even drove a school bus. After 12 years he left and began working at Park Hills Evangelical Free Church where he stayed until he retired in 2005. His love for farming always stayed with him and he began helping Becker Farms during planting and harvest. He loved running equipment. During that time he also enjoyed volunteering at FHN, where he delivered the mail until his health declined. He was a huge family man and loved spending time with his family and especially his 2 grandsons. Being active at North Grove Evangelical Church was very important to him. He loved teaching Sunday school classes. 

Eugene is survived by his Children, Bruce (Stephanie) Pannkuk, Craig Pannkuk (Laura Groom), and Annette (Craig) Schryvers; Sister Joyce McPhillips; Grandsons Drake and Ian Pannkuk; bonus grandchildren, Carley Reisen, Ben (Dana) Schwarz, Cameron (Katie) Groom, Drew (Jillian) Groom, Evan Groom, Eryn Schryvers, Tori Schyvers, Sean Schyvers, and Nick Schyvers; bonus great-grandsons Jasper and Johnny Schwarz and many nieces and nephews. 

Preceding him in death was his loving wife Katy of 57 years; His parents Minert and Sadie Pannkuk; his brother, Ronnie Pannkuk. The family would like to thank everyone from the North Grove Family and surrounding community for all the thoughts and prayers and support these last few months. And special thanks to Laura Groom for taking care of Gene these last few months. 

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Saturday March 29th at North Grove Evangelical Church in Forreston, IL with Pastor Ryan Howell and Rev. Lyle Zumdahl officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7:00 pm Friday March 28th at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Forreston ,IL. Burial will be at North Grove Cemetery. A memorial has been established in Eugene's memory.