Thomas "Thom" R. Pankonin

Thomas “Thom” R. Pankonin, age 72, of McCook, NE passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2023 doing what he loved, hunting big game in rural McCook.

Thom was born June 5, 1951 in David City, NE to parents Robert Donald and Catherine Alice (Strickland) Pankonin. He was one of five siblings who graduated from North Platte High School in North Platte, NE, He then attended Mid Plains Community College.

Thom loved hunting, riding motorcycles and collecting antiques.  He worked for the Union Railroad until 1997, Natrona County School District until 2017 and then Southwest Schools as a custodian until his retirement in 2022. Thom with his quirky ways and quick wit will be greatly missed. Thom, you were bad to the bone man, onward and upward you go.

Thom was preceded in death by his parents.

Thom is survived by his sons Gabriel Pankonin and fiancée, Stacey Scott of Colorado Springs, CO and Jacob Pankonin of McCook; daughter, Harley (Aaron) Christenson of Thornton, CO; brothers Ted (Trudy) Pankonin of McCook, John (Sue) Pankonin of Winsor, CO and James (Judy) Pankonin of Thornton, CO; sister Ann Dean (Glenn Heeney) of McCook; and his five grandchildren.

Thom also leaves behind two dogs which brought him joy, a Great Dane, Lily and a German Wire Hair Pointer, Layla.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are kindly suggested to the family to offset funeral expenses. Contributions may be sent via Venmo to @Gabriel-Pankonin.