Henry J. “Hank” Pekron was born October 28, 1925, on a farm near Grenville, South Dakota, the son of Joseph and Mary (Sichmeller) Pekron. He first moved to Haakon County in 1949.
Hank was drafted into the United States Army on October 20, 1950, and served in Korea during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on September 11, 1952, returned to the Milesville area, and began his life long career and passion as a rancher.
Hank was united in marriage to Mary Gottsleben on August 28, 1954 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip. They made their home in the Milesville area for over 50 years. Due to health reasons, they moved into Philip in October 2007, where they have since resided.
Hank's family was very important to him and he was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Hank was a hard-working, God-fearing man of his word who was always ready and willing to help his neighbor or someone in need.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of 56 years, Mary; six children Nancy Ehrhardt and her husband Rick of Brandon, South Dakota, Steve Pekron and his wife Nina of Milesville, Beth Walker of Gillette, Wyoming, Karen Kroetch and her husband Jerry of Philip, Theresa Pekron of Westminster, Colorado, and Joe Pekron and his wife Julie of Hot Springs; thirteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Hank was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and seven sisters.
Visitation was held 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, August 31, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 1, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Father KevIn Achbach as celebrant.
Interment with military honors by the American Legion Post #173 of Philip, was at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
A luncheon and time of fellowship will take place at the church, immediately following the services at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Milesville.
Memorials and cards may be sent to Mary Pekron, P.O. Box 843, Philip, SD 57567.
FUNERAL SERVICES
Wednesday, September 1, 2010 – 10:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota
CELEBRANT
Father Kevin Achbach
LECTOR
Joe Gittings
EUCHARISTIC MINISTER
Don Schultz
MUSIC
Marianne Frein – Pianist
Maureen Palecek - Vocalist
USHERS
Justin Pekron – Jeff Goertz
PALLBEARERS
Ryan Hovland – Jeremiah Walker
Josh Kroetch – Nathan Walker
Zane Pekron – Cody Pekron
GIFT BEARERS
Melinda Coslet – Brooke Kroetch
Katie Pekron – Allison Pekron – Grace Pekron
INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
American Legion Post #173 of Philip
Guest Book
I am sorry for you loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Cherish the memories you have.
~ Emily Kroetch
Philip SD (8/27/2010)
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
~ Lisa (Schofield) Jonas
Pierre, SD (8/27/2010)
We are very sorry about your loss. May God keep you close and give you comfort at this time. Losing a loved one is never easy.
Roxy and Ray
~ Roxy Formanek
Hermosa (8/27/2010)
Hank was a real person, cowboy and friend. He took the time of day to talk to everyone, and he didn't mince any words if they needed saying he gaught his point across like it or not, you knew where he stood. I always enjoyed talking to him and especially his laugh. It's never easy to say good bye, Hank you have earned your time to rest in peace.
~ Dorothy Hansen
Philip S.D. (8/27/2010)
We are thinking of you all and I have been thinking too of when Hank helped my Dad Preg Test in the old days. He was such a neat person to be around. Such a fun guy. Keep his memories alive and we will keep you in our prayers.
~ Julie Nixon
2240l Deadman Creek Rd Philip, SD (8/27/2010)
My condolences to the family. Uncle Henry (my picture predates "Hank") my fondest memories include the picture from Korea that hung on our wall when I was a kid, playing catch with Henry when I was in grade school and Henry was home to visit Grandma and Grandpa, and coming out to Milesville to visit with Norbert and Grandma and Grandpa in June of 1960. (this was my first real trip away from home!) I think we all wanted to be cowboys and here was somebody in the family who actually did it! My memories are mostly the fond ones of a kid who admired the handsome, happy, smiley, uncle---I'm sure just a tiny sample of the good man he was. My thoughts are with you Mary, and the whole family.
~ Jim Gruba
Duluth, MN (8/27/2010)
To Hank's Family~ It has been a hard thing to watch someone you love failing...but what a great family you have been for him to call his own! He was well-cared for here and will be in loving hands from now on. A true cowboy gentleman! Our thoughts and prayers to all of you...
~ Jason and Vonda Hamill
Milesville (8/27/2010)
Our condolences to you all, my first acquaintance with Hank was probably close to 30 years ago but didn't really get to "know" him until I started visiting my mom at the nursing home. I always enjoyed seeing him, he and mom were alike in so many ways, always wanting to go home, never knowing for sure which generation they were going to be in when you walked in. It's sad, but we have to chuckle at some of the antics! God bless the staff and the nursing home and may He comfort you all.
~ Nancy Peterson
Kadoka (8/27/2010)
Our sympathy on your loss! May you cherish the memories and they will help carry you thru the difficult times!
~ Shelia Trask
Wasta SD (8/27/2010)
To the Pekron Family - May the love of family and friends help comfort you at this time.
~ Dave & Karen Webb
Rapid City SD (8/27/2010)
Pekron Family, I'm sorry for your loss of Hank. I have some good memories of Hank from when I was growing up. I still think about him everytime when I eat bread because he insisted that I eat the crusts. He said the trick was to save the best for last, so eat the crusts first! It may be a simple memory but it is still how I eat a slice of bread. I loved how he teased us. Spending time with Hank and Mary was always fun. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
~ Mary Gittings Quinn
Craig, CO (8/27/2010)
We are sorry for your loss. After church, we always went to get snacks and Hank was always there too. Hank was a great guy and earned your time to rest in peace.
~ Kathy & Rick Borkovec
borkovec61@rap.midco.net (8/27/2010)
Mary and family, I am so sorry to hear about Hank. I have so many memories from growing up and coming to your house. Hank was always there to help my folks and I know that meant alot to them. My thoughts and prayers are with you all that this very difficult time. Deanna
~ Deanna Williams
Winner,SD (8/27/2010)
We are so so sorry for the great loss of Hank. It is so hard to lose someone you love so much. May God be with your family. Tenderly may God's love heal your sorrow. Gently may the prayers of friends ease your hurting. Softly may God's peace replace your heartache with warm and loving memories. Love, MIke and Shar
~ MIke & Shar Moses
Philip (8/27/2010)
My sympathy to the family. Henry used to write to my mother, Helen Gruba. She was always excited to get a letter from him. Also, my Grandparents were excited when the family was coming to visit. I thought it must be a long trip to come out to Grenville. Henry was one of my Godparents. I can remember getting a set of dishes from him in the mail for Christmas. Diane found some of the pieces and gave them to me several years ago. I have 5 plates left, they were metal plates with farm scenes on them; rooster, barn, chickens and garden. My only visit to Henry and Mary's ranch was in tge 70's. I gave Karen a ride home one weekend when I was coming out to see my husband, Skip when he was at Guard Camp. My husband's name is also Henry but he got the nickname Skip from his family. His dad and grandpa were also named Henry so it's a good name. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
~ Maxine German
Watertown, SD (8/27/2010)
So sorry to hear of your loss. Hank was one of the last true cowboys of the west! We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. God bless.
~ Kelly & Jeff Penticoff
Philip, SD (8/27/2010)
My heroes have always been cowboys.
~ Rebecca Williams
Philip (8/27/2010)
Our sympathies to the Pekron family. I have many fond memories of Hank. We have been blessed to know Hank and his family. You will all be in our prayers.
~ Pat and Carla Quinn
Centennial CO (8/27/2010)
I could hardly wait to hear that Uncle Hank and Aunt Mary were coming home, meaning Grenville, SD. I remember just being in awe of him because he had left and made his life as a rancher in "west river country."
My daughter, Stacy, and I traveled out to see Hank and Mary for their 50th wedding anniversary. The first thing my daughter noticed was how many of his mannerisms were "just like her grandpa Ben"( Hanks' oldest brother.)Although Ben never said much, we knew he was very proud of his "little brother" who served in the military and then moved away, met a wonderful lady and raised a beautiful family. I hope they are reminiscing in heaven right now (probably talking in Polish.)God be with you all and bring the comfort only he can provide.
~ Rita Brownlee
Watertown, SD (8/27/2010)
Mary and family, how saddened I was to hear that Hank had left you on Friday. But I know he was welcomed with open arms in Heaven. I will miss our visits at the nursing home, even though he was confused on what era he was living in he always knew me and it was always "Well, there's Janie" it just won't be the same to visit without him in the hallway waiting for a ride home. He always knew I couldn't take him since I live to the west in Rapid City but he was always positive that someone would have time to take him home soon. He recently told me his feet just wouldn't let him dance anymore but he wouldn't mind going downtown for a cold one, as he told me that there was that twinkle in his eye, that you just knew he would like to get into some innocent fun! I'm sure he is having a great reunion with family, friends and my folks! Rest in peace Hank! Thanks for being such great GodParents, Hank and Mary!
~ Tom and Jane Aasby
Rapid City (8/27/2010)
To the dear family of Hank,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one no matter what we are never ready. I will always remember hearing about Grandpa (PINK) he will never be forgotten in our hearts or the beloved memories we have of him. What a dear man he was and he truly will be missed. May you find comfort in all the great memories he gave to each of us. And may you find comfort knowing he is an angel watching over us.Our continued thoughts and prayers are with you all.
~ Cindy and Rowdy Schuler
Philip,SD (8/27/2010)
Pekrons~So sorry to see that Hank passed away. Hold your fond memories close to your heart. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of my dad...what great neighbors. Branding calves brings many memories back to life. If Hank only knew (he probably did) of all the "trouble" we caused as kids! Hank always had the time to tease us a little. He is a dear man. God bless and may he rest in peace.
~ Stacy Radway Dole
Black Hawk (8/27/2010)
Mary and family,
I would like to extend my greatest sympathy. My fondest memories of Hank are from when we still lived at Milesville. I always will remember the whole neighborhood stopping at the Ridge after church on Sunday and having a pop. Hank sure loved to tease all the kids. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
~ Jody Gittings
Platte, SD (8/27/2010)
Our prayers are with you at this time of loss. Theresa,may the memories heal your heart. Love Frank and Terri Kinney
~ Frank and Terri Kinney
Gillette,WY (8/27/2010)
We are sorry to hear of the loss of Hank. I remember growing up a member of St. Marys and always seeing Hank and Mary there and recently visiting with them when I am visting with Grandma at the nursing home. He was a kind man, God Bless you all.
~ Bruce and Lynn (Schofield) Dunker
Wall (8/27/2010)
My sympathy goes to your family in the loss of your loved one.
~ Bonnie Fitzgeald
Memphis, TN (8/27/2010)
Our sincere condolences to your family. I have so many memories of Hank. Was over there a lot growing up and most of my memories are of laughter, pure absolute laughter whenever I visited with Hank, we both laughed so hard! There are so many good memories---keep your memories close. Know you and he are loved by many! And, that Hank is not suffering anymore, peace and God's love are there to comfort you and your loved one. Hoping I get to see you soon, one of our girls is in the hospital, will try hard to get there to be with you tonight or tomorrow depending on her condition, (she is wearing a heart monitor-high heart rate-170s) Love to all & thinking of you at this time of sadness, Char
~ Char Price & David Stangle family
Philip (8/27/2010)
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. I always found Hank an interesting person. He usually had a few questions to ask and comments to share. Visiting with him was sometimes like taking a quiz. I'll always remember his grin. The video is a wonderful tribute to Hank. His legacy will live on.
~ Connie (Martinson) Gerard
Edgemont, SD (8/27/2010)
I am sorry for the loss of your loved one. Such a character, and enjoyable to be around.
~ Lynn Hanson
Box Elder, SD (8/27/2010)
Mary & family, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler
2130 Ellen St Sturgis, S. D. (8/27/2010)
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that I am praying for you and thinking of you. God hides a smile in every memory.
~ Karen Hanson
Rapid City (8/27/2010)
Dear Pekron Family:
I am so very sorry to hear of Hank's passing. Even though I did not know him personally. I heard many WONDERFUL stories about him from Theresa. So, it is like I knew Hank. My Thoughts and Prayers are with each of you during difficult time. May God comfort you. Cherish the memories. My Deepest Sympathy.
Lynda
~ Lynda Gonzales-Schmidt
Arvada, CO (8/27/2010)
To Joe, Julie,& Family,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. Just wanted you to know you are in our thoughts & prayers.
~ Janet Naasz
Hot Springs, SD (8/27/2010)