Sylvia J. Pannkuk

Pannkuk (Durland), Sylvia Jane, only daughter of Stanley and Esther, learned early the meaning of good dirt to grow vegetables and telling stories of good hunt of buffalo or the fish that got away, passed away on January 16, 2025.

Sylvia, the feminine of latin origin that means “woods” or “forest” was so fitting for a spiritual lady that loved to be nestled up against the trunk of a tree and feel the earth beneath her feet. Somehow, she and the trees would become one as she silently listened to God’s creation.

In her early years as an only child her love of dogs and cats grew and never stopped on to 6 generations in 60 years, some of those being granddogs. She always missed them after a visit and they knew where the good leftovers were coming from when she stood in the kitchen.

Sylvia worked at Prudential mid 50’s to early 60’s, and then early 80’s to 2007 worked at Brauns/Christopher and Banks as a warehouse supervisor. She retired at the ripe young age of 70 to once again take care of family and enjoy not waking to an alarm every morning.

Between work careers she selflessly took on her role of wife and mother. Comforter, healer, provider and a great cook too! Preceded in death by her husband of over 60 years, Bud, many good times had fishing and telling stories of “the big one that got away” in the fish house on lake Mille Lacs with splattering of Canadian trips and big lake salmon fishing. Bullhead, crappie, sunfish a plenty back in the day when fishin was fishin.

Sylvia appreciated strength, guidance, listening and most times just a good belly laugh from long time friends she clutched over the years. She coveted the family and friends that would gather. Long time friends from many years back, Dear friend Donna (whom she dearly missed) from grade school days, sisters in Christ Sandra, Mary, Faye, Ethel and Bonnie, special work friends and dear dear neighbors she so treasured for their help no matter what.

She leaves behind to mourn-her son Guy, daughter Penny(Todd), Aunt Ivah, nephew Eddy(Nona), niece Inger(Joe), cousin Nora, Bonnie (Rick), nephew Bruce(Kim), other family members and cherished great nieces and nephews and great-greats whom she spoke of many times over the years with love and true admiration for how they had bloomed into beautiful “kids”.

Please come celebrate the life of a true prayer warrior and if you have a favorite fishing hat, bring it along with a fish story or two to share.

Sylvia’s celebration will be held February 12, 2025 with visitation at 10am, service 11am, lunch at 12pm, at Rice Lake Bible Chapel 8801 Rice Lake RD, Maple Grove, MN 55369.

Interment to follow at Sunset Cemetery 2250 St Anthony Blvd, Saint Anthony, MN 55418.