Earl Pankow
Earl Ronald Pankow, 89, of Eagle River, Wis., and longtime resident of Oconomowoc, Wis., passed away peacefully October 5, 2025.
Born on March 1, 1936, in Oconomowoc to Oscar and Florentine Pankow, Earl lived a life full of hard work and devotion to family and friends.
After graduating from high school in 1954, he began his career with Hartman Oil Co. before proudly serving his country in the U.S. Army. During his service, fate brought him to Kansas where he met the love of his life, Iantha Louise Conant. They were married on August 25, 1957, in Herrington, Kan., beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love.
Earl and Iantha settled in Oconomowoc, where he worked for the Carnation Co. from 1961-1976. Always eager to learn and build something of his own, Earl discovered a passion for repairing typewriters, which blossomed into a successful family business, Pankow Office Supply. In 1976, he left Carnation to run their store full time alongside Iantha. Together, they created a business known not only for quality service but for kindness and community.
After retiring in 1991, Earl and Iantha moved north to their beloved home on Carpenter Lake in Eagle River. There, Earl embraced the simple joys of life: hunting, fishing and spending time outdoors. He also learned wood carving, and he became known for his beautiful carvings, treasured by many family members and friends. His love for nature extended to his volunteer work as a dedicated “Loon Ranger,” helping to protect and preserve Wisconsin’s loon population. Earl also served for many years on the Carpenter Lake Association Board and volunteered at the Kalmar Senior Center, where he shared his generosity and leadership as vice president.
Earl will be remembered for his strong work ethic and endless love for his family and friends. He was a man who found joy in life’s simplest moment, casting a fishing line, carving a piece of wood into art, or sharing stories with friends over coffee.
Earl was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Iantha.
He is survived by his two daughters, Julie (Bruce) Pankow-Helland of Brooklyn, Wis., and Vickie Walsh of Marietta, Ga.; four grandchildren, Tavis (Sarah) Helland, Brady (Jordan) Walsh, Chad (Kayla) Helland and Riley Walsh; two great-grandchildren; and his sister, Shirley (Mike) Walker of Appleton, Wis.
His life was a gift, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
In remembrance of Earl’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made in Earl’s memory, to the Kalmar Senior Center in Eagle River.
Visitation will be Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 9:30 am at the Gaffney-Bush Funeral home in Eagle River. A funeral service will follow at 10:00 am at the funeral home.
Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com PAID OBITUARY
