Theodore “Ted” Stanley Pankiewicz, 71, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Thursday, April 3, 2025 with family. He was under hospice care after a courageous eighteen-month battle with terminal cancer.
Ted was born in St. Joseph on June 5, 1953. He was the son of Francis and Josephine (Klein) Pankiewicz.
Ted attended elementary school at the former Sts. Peter and Paul School and St. Francis Xavier. He attended Christian Brothers High School and graduated from Bishop LeBlond High School. He also attended Missouri Western State College for two years.
Ted was an avid sports fan and could state statistics from various sports going back 50 years. His favorite teams were the St. Louis Cardinals, the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. He also loved playing center field in league baseball until his late 30s.
Ted was employed at Quaker Oats until its closure, where he met many good friends.
Ted was a kind and thoughtful man who treated everyone with dignity and respect. After retirement he still worked for the elderly as a handyman for household jobs, running errands and helping wherever he could.
He was beloved Uncle Ted to all of his nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews and will be greatly missed. He often acted more like a kid than they did yet always assured them a great time.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents; twin infant brothers, John and Joseph; sister, Margaret Hager; and brother, Thomas Pankiewicz.
He is survived by his brother Mike (Teresa) Pankiewicz; sister, Marilyn McClure; brother-in-law, Bob Hager; sister-in-law, Cathy Pankiewicz; and numerous nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.
As to Ted’s wishes, he will be cremated with a private family celebration of his life.
