Hobert Edward Pannkuk, age 81, of Olympia, Washington, passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2023.
Hobert (Hobe) was born to Edward and Nellie (Crank) Pannkuk on March 9, 1942, in Everett, Washington. As soon as he graduated from Rochester High School in 1961, he enlisted in the Army. Hobe was stationed all over the world and served three tours in Vietnam where he earned three Purple Hearts and numerous other awards. He served in the 509th and 101st Airborne Divisions. After serving for 21 years, Hobe retired from the military. It was a great honor for him to serve his country.
Hobe spent his life living one adventure to the next. After he retired from the military, he went on to study at Centralia College, earning a degree in civil engineering. He worked as a civil engineer for the Washington State Department of Transportation from 1987 until he retired in 2007. During this time and in retirement, he worked as a reserve sheriff deputy for Thurston County and spent many years as part of the search and rescue, dive and Jeep teams. He was very proud of his time and service with those departments.
Hobe was extremely active in his free time. The running joke in the family was that he was busier in retirement than he was while working. An avid outdoorsman, he lived for hunting, fishing, boating, scuba diving and camping. He loved taking road trips and seeing the country that he loved so much. Hobe also taught hunter education and gun safety for 25 years. He enjoyed teaching people how to protect and respect our resources. He also had a creative side, engaging in winemaking, playing guitar and woodworking. Hobe was also incredibly gregarious and was able to strike up conversations with strangers wherever he went.
Family, however, was the most important thing for Hobe. He married the love of his life, Mary Pannkuk, on Dec. 14, 1968. They had two children: Antoinette and Mark. He adored his grandchildren and spent as much time with them as he could. He didn’t let a day go by without making the people around him feel special. Hobert gave 110% of himself in everything he did. In his military service, in work and with the people he loved, he gave it his all.
Hobe is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Richard (Tony) Pannkuk and his sisters Ramona and Angelica.
Hobe is survived by his wife, Mary; his siblings, Betty, Rodney, Nellie, Arthur, Curtis, and Morgan; his children, Antoinette Hammond (Jason) and Mark Pannkuk (Awndrea); his grandchildren, Garrit, Kylee, Grayson, Mary and Taylor; numerous nieces and nephews; and finally, his dog Casper, who never left his side.
The family would like to thank Providence Hospice, as well as all of the family members and friends who offered their support. There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. April 24 at Sticklin Funeral Chapel. The graveside service will take place at Grand Mound Cemetery at 12:30 p.m., with a potluck reception to follow at the Thurston County Posse Hall (Little Rock Sheriff Posse). In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Wounded Warrior Project. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sticklinsfuneralchapel.com for the Pannkuk family.
