Linda Ann Pankau

Linda Ann Pankau, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on March 8, 2026, at the age of 78 after a brief illness.

She was a devoted wife for 58 years to her husband, the late John H. Pankau. Linda is survived by her sons, Jeffery (Jennifer) and their daughters Emily and Kaitlyn, and Michael (Denise) and their sons Adam and Jacob. She is also survived by her sisters Carol Charland (Bill) and Gail Jeske (Robert), her brother David Mellonig (Cindy), her niece Jill Jeske, her 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.

She and John met as teenagers and remained inseparable, except for the time he served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. They shared a love of travel and Linda especially treasured her “sister trips” with Carol and Gail. Her home was always open, and she created a warm and welcoming space for family and friends at holiday gatherings, where John would extend the dining room table to seat more than twenty guests. Linda worked for 16 years as a Teacher’s Aide in the West Allis–West Milwaukee School District, touching 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 background led her into cash operations and increasing responsibilities supporting beverage operations, vendor coordination, and hospitality. Her strong work ethic, organizational skills, and friendly, energetic personality earned her the affection of coworkers, volunteers, and vendors alike.

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.