Jill M. Pankratz

Jill Marie Pankratz, age 52, passed away on December 22, 2024 in Madison, WI. She was born on May 11, 1972 in Green Bay, WI and was adopted by Dale and Gale Pankratz who brought her home on October 30, 1973.

Jill grew up in Berlin, Wisconsin taking frequent vacations to Florida with her family. She found passion in swimming, skating, and playing the trumpet in her teens and graduated from Berlin high school in 1990. She found her way to Oshkosh, Wisconsin where she married and had 2 daughters.

A woman with a big heart, Jill would go to great lengths to help those she loved, even when she had little to give. She pursued a dream of becoming an AODA counselor, studying at Fox Valley Technical College, but life’s challenges led her down a different path. She found fulfillment working as a bus aide at Kobussen in Oshkosh and later at the Marcus movie theater in Madison.

Beyond her work, Jill was a social butterfly, always eager to spend time with friends. She enjoyed playing card games, watching movies, and sharing her interests with anyone who would listen. Among her many passions, Jill was an avid fan of Titanic, Friends, and anything related to healing crystals. She recently found comfort and purpose in the energy and symbolism of crystals, often turning to them for guidance and healing.

Jill loved spending time with her family, especially boasting about her two daughters. She also had a deep affection for the cats she rescued, who were her pride and joy, providing her with companionship and comfort. 

Known for her festive spirit, Jill went all out for holidays. She would match her nail style to her jewelry and wore themed headbands to spread cheer wherever she went.

She is survived by her daughters Laura Niedfeldt of Appleton and Madelyn Niedfeldt of Sun Prairie, her sister Lisa (Jonathan) Yackel of Madison and their children, and her cats Indigo and Sammie. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Dale and Gale Pankratz. 

A Celebration of life will be held at the Copper Hall in Oshkosh on February 15, 2025 from 1-4pm. 

Jill will be remembered for her kindness, her humor, and the love she shared with everyone she knew.

You may memorialize Jill with a donation to Shelter from the Storm cat rescue or National Alliance on Mental Illness - Dane County.