Helga Pankow

Our beautiful and beloved Mother, Wife and Oma, Helga Pankow, peacefully entered into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, on March 3, 2016, at age 80. It was her wish to be at home and she was surrounded by her immediate family at the time of her passing.

Born to Ernst and Luise Schmitt, in Frankfurt, Germany, Helga is survived by her husband of 57 years, Robert Pankow; daughter, Doris Baker; son, Ralph Pankow (Jennifer); grandchildren, Jacob Pankow and Rachael Clark (Tanya Bunker Pankow) and Rachael's husband (Kyle), along with many extended family members in Germany, the United States and a world of friends.
 
Helga maintained her strong Christian faith throughout her life and during her struggle with congestive heart failure and cancer.  As she had done for so many years, Helga continued to consistently think of others and was a constant source of optimism, kindness and love, assuring no birthdays, anniversaries or holidays were forgotten and no one ever left her dinner table hungry as she often had during WWII.
 
Born at the cusp of WWII, Helga had many stories of atrocities and survival during that time. At the age of 21, she met Airman Robert Pankow while he was stationed in Germany, they fell in love and were married two years later in Germany in December, 1958.  As a military family, they moved 17 times before settling in Auburn, Washington.

No matter where the military sent them, Helga, was always quick and efficient in creating a home from a house for her family. Her family was her focus and she took great pride in being a wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker. Helga also enjoyed traveling with her family and in later years also being part of an extended camping group of friends and family.

With her bright sparkling blue eyes, beautiful smile and delightful personality, Helga, was one of the rare gems that would light up a room and put everyone at ease. She was a thoughtful and gracious hostess and always enjoyed having friends and family over for dinner, luncheons or coffee klatches. There was never a shortage of food and Helga always made sure no guest left her dinner table hungry and were often sent home with delicious leftovers!
 
Helga's interment will be held privately at the Tahoma National Cemetery prior to her memorial service. Her Memorial Service and Celebration of Life is planned for April 9, 2016 at 11:00a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1024 Monroe Ave NE, Renton, WA 98056, followed by a reception and luncheon.
 
In honor of Helga's loving and consistent desire to assure no one leaves her dinner table hungry, donations can be made in her name to: Union Gospel Mission, Attn: Outreach Services (Meals), P.O. Box 202 Seattle, WA. 98111-0202. Donations can also be made online at: http://www.ugm.org or by calling 206-432-8428 and speaking with Liz. Account of Financial Responsibility and IRS ID number are available on their website.