James R. Pankratz, 67, of Bemidji, formerly of Staples, died May 10, 2009 at the Oakland Mercy Hospital in Oakland, Neb.

Funeral services were held May 15, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples with Fr. Scott Wittkop officiating. Burial was at the Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples.

Arrangements were with the Brenny Funeral Home in Staples.

Jim is survived by his wife, Donna; two sons, Dan (Cheri) of Bemidji; Bob (Teresa) of St. Cloud; three daughters, Ann Marie Petersen of St. Cloud; Becky Pankratz of Montrose; Patty (Matt) Mundorf of Lincoln, Neb.; 10 grandchildren; one brother, Richard (Laura) of Staples; one sister, Arlene Fraser of St. Cloud; many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rueben and Helen (Bienusa) Pankratz; one brother, Clarence; and one nephew.

Memorials are preferred to the American Heart Association.

A00006B2009MY21