7 Oct. 1939 – 4 July 2020
Vernon (Vern) Marion Pankratz, 80, passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon surrounded by family near and far thanks to the blessings of modern medicine and technology. 
He is survived by his wife of nearly 57 years, Diane Furner Pankratz, whom he married Aug. 16, 1963, in the Salt Lake Temple; 11 children Deonna (Alan) Weight, Sherri (Greg) Summers, Shane (Stephanie), Bryant (Stacey), Danny (Traci), Teena (Dan) White, Peter (Meghan), Justin (Jessica), Craig (Misty), Andrew (Corey), and Spencer; 32 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren, with two more great-grandchildren on the way; his brother Dale (Jan) of Lakeport, California; and many other relatives and friends. Though he will be sorely missed by all who knew him, we rejoice in the knowledge that we will meet again.
Born Oct. 7, 1939, in Ignacio, Colorado, to Henry and Ida Pankratz, Vernon descended from a long line of stalwart men and women who loved the Lord, their families, and farming. Throughout his life, he honored this heritage. After graduating high school in 1958, Vernon joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and spent his life in service to the Lord through church callings, temple work, and sharing the gospel with friends and family on both sides of the veil. He accepted every calling extended to him and truly loved those callings that allowed him to serve his fellow ward members whether it was ministering to a household or the entire ward. He served three missions to the Netherlands, one as a young adult and two with his eternal companion, Diane. Much of his free time was spent doing family history work, and we have no doubt that as he passed from this mortal life to the next, he was greeted by thousands of grateful souls.
Vern loved farming and spent most of his professional life managing a welfare farm in Erda for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When he retired, he and his wife opened the Pankratz Pumpkin Patch in Tooele, which he loved not only for the opportunity to continue farming, but also for the opportunity to meet many wonderful individuals in the community.
As the father, grandfather, and great-grandfather (opa) to many, Vernon’s influence will be felt for generations to come. A man of unwavering faith and integrity, he taught by example and loved unconditionally. His legacy of faith, love, and willingness to work hard will continue to bless the lives of all his family present and future.
A private funeral will be held Saturday, July 11, at 11 a.m., that will be streamed to the public by Dalton-Hoopes Funeral Home. Follow the link to attend the live stream of the funeral for those not able to attend in person: zoom.us/meeting/.85038531009. Viewings are open to the public and will be held Friday, July 10, from 6 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, July 11, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse, 192 W. 200 South, Tooele, Utah. Masks are encouraged, and social distancing will be practiced. Burial will be in the Tooele City Cemetery with military honors.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at daltonhoopes.com.