Arthur Clarence Pankow
Obituaries
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 6A - June 23, 2021
Arthur Pankow
August 30, 1936 - June 13, 2021
Arthur Clarence Pankow
was born on August 30, 1936,
to Bernadettee and Clarence
Pankow of Brookfield, Illinois.
Art grew up with five brothers
and two sisters. He worked for
UOP in McCook, Illinois for
17 years. He met Judith Ann
Hrozny at the age of 16 and they
dated for four years, until their
marriage at a ripe old age of 20.
In 1959, Art served his country in the Korean Conflict. He would
send pictures of his pet goat home to the states so his new bride
would know he was doing well.
In 1970 the family moved west to Colorado where Art and Judie
purchased the “Ute Chief Mobile Home Park” in Woodland Park,
Colorado. They stayed there until May of 1978 when they moved
further west to Palisade, Colorado, to purchase a peach orchard and
become farmers. They grew the best Palisade (now world famous)
peaches for over 37 years. Art also worked as a painter for Mesa
County School District 51 in Grand Junction, putting his heart and
soul into the work that supported the students of the Grand Valley.
In 2016 at the age of 79, running a peach orchard by himself
became too much of a task. He and Judie retired to Sun City, AZ, to
be close to their daughter and three of their grandchildren.
Art was a veteran, husband, father, and grandfather and wonderful
person to all whom he met. His final wish was to be buried with a
$10 bill in his pocket to buy his friends a beer in heaven.
Arthur is survived by wife, Judith Ann (Hrozny) Pankow, of
over 64 years; children, daughter, Chris (Todd) Patty, of Peoria,
AZ; son, Scott (Heidi) Pankow, of Craig, Colorado, and six beloved
grandchildren, Shawn, Collin, Evan, Rachael, Sarah and Hannah.
Upon Art’s request, there will be no services held until he is
buried with his soul mate of over 68 years, Judie.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Orchard Mesa Lions Club
could be made in his remembrance
