Delores A. (Buche) Pankratz, a resident of Caring Hands Assisted Living, New Holstein, formerly of St. Nazianz, passed away Thursday morning, April 9, 2026 at Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation Center, Manitowoc.

She was born August 4, 1934 in Owatonna, Minnesota, daughter of the late Alfred and Helen (Muckey) Buche. Dee attended Owatonna High School, graduating with the class of 1952. She married Howard Max Pankratz on June 18, 1971 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He preceded her in death on May 22, 1994. Dee worked as an accountant at various places in Minnesota before retiring and moving to St. Nazianz. She enjoyed reading, watching TV (especially food and cooking shows), and studying and collecting vitamins. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and the family pets.

Dee is survived by her brother-in-law: Pete Pankratz; step-daughter: Patricia; step-son: Tom (Lisa); step-son-in-law: Scott, and their families; a special niece: Kim (Dale) Wagner; as well as many other nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband: Howard Max Pankratz; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Bill (Shirley) Pankratz, Judith (Warren) Otto, Jane (Richard) Schaller, and Jan Pankratz; two step-daughters: Sue Rupp and Therese Randall; and one niece: Heidi Schaller.

Cremation has occurred at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory, Manitowoc, and a memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 N. Water Street, Manitowoc. Deacon Steve Zimmer will officiate the service. Following the service, a luncheon will be held at Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, located on the southside property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at 10:30 a.m. on Friday at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff and caregivers at Caring Hands Assisted Living, New Holstein, Aurora Hospice, and Manitowoc Health and Rehab for the care and compassion shown to Dee and her family.