Kay (Overbeck) Pannkuk

Kay grew up in Iowa, graduating Garnavillo High School in 1954 where she met John Pannkuk. Both attended Wartburg College, Waverly, IA, where Kay earned a teaching degree in 1956. Kay taught elementary students for many years in various schools throughout Iowa. Kay married Rev. John Pannkuk on August 17, 1958 in Monona, IA, and was a faithful and loving pastor’s wife during their times of serving congregations in Iowa and Indiana from 1962-2000. Some of her many services within these congregations included Sunday School Superintendent, church secretary, leader of women’s groups, and food bank volunteer. She served all these positions with compassion, empathy, kindness and a genuine care for the well being of others. During the 1970’s, while in Evansville, IN, Kay founded and served as Superintendent of Christian Education classes within the public school system. In Fort Wayne, IN, from 1981-1999, Kay worked for the Boy Scouts of America as an Executive Secretary. Kay took a specific affection to being a loving mother and grandmother to her children and granddaughter, as she was actively involved in all aspects of their lives. Kay had a love of athletics which started in Iowa, with her sister Jean, winning two high school basketball state championships. She spent time coaching and faithfully following her children’s participation in athletics. This continued her entire life as she was an avid fan of college and professional sports. Kay valued traveling with family, experiencing the awe and wonder of God’s creation. She especially enjoyed yearly trips along the Michigan coastline, treasuring the magnificent views of the lake, sand dunes, marinas and lighthouses. Another favorite annual trip was traveling to Florida to spend time walking on the beaches, sightseeing and viewing amazing sunsets. Kay was blessed to enjoy 18 years of retirement with John, wintering in Arizona, where they spent time with family and good friends. Kay’s sweet, gentle, caring spirit, strong faith, commitment to a life of service and love of her family defined who she was. Kay is preceded in death by her husband, Rev. John; son, David John; father, Donald; mother, Marian; sister, Jean. Kay is survived by her two children, Karen and Mark; granddaughter, Lindsay; and many loving brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Messiah Lutheran Church (7211 Stellhorn Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46815), with visitation one hour prior. The Rev. Timothy Graham will preside. Visitation will also be from 4:00 to 7:00pm on Friday, March 25, 2022, at the church. A luncheon follows immediately after the service in the fellowship hall, then committal at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Fort Wayne.

Memorial donations in her honor may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church, or ELCA Lutheran Disaster Response. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Kay's family may be shared at www.McCombandSons.com