Jesse Joe Pankowski

Jesse Joe Pankowski, 27, of Johnson Lake, Nebraska, formerly of Ainsworth, Nebraska, passed away Friday, April 1, 2016, at his aunt’s home at Johnson Lake. Jesse was born July 3, 1988, in Ainsworth, Nebraska, to Douglas and Cathryn (Junod) Pankowski. He was confirmed and was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ainsworth. He was a 2007 graduate of Ainsworth High School, where he was active in National Honor Society, Mock Trial, and speech. Following high school, he went on to further his education at Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska. He was passionate about music, reading, going to concerts, and playing guitar, and enjoyed watching movies. He participated in Tough Mudder challenges, but his greatest love was spending time with his nieces and nephew. Jesse was proud of his ability to grow facial hair, earning him the nickname Chewbacca or "Chewie"! Jesse loved his pets Opie and Sprinkles, and considered them “his kids”. Jesse worked at Alco and H&R in Ainsworth, and had recently been employed at Cabela’s in Kearney. He leaves to mourn his passing his parents; Doug and Cathie Pankowski of Ainsworth, Nebraska; brother, Tucker and his wife Tari Jo Pankowski of Custer, South Dakota; three nieces, Phoebe, Sophia, and Bindie, and nephew, Aden Pankowski of Custer, South Dakota; his grandmother, Wyona Marx of Brighton, Colorado; grandparents, Joe and Jann Pankowski of Bridgeport, Nebraska; Godparents, Bruce and Patty Bader of Elwood, Nebraska; also surviving are aunts, uncles, and cousins. Preceding Jesse in death was his grandparents, Don & Ilene Junod. A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held Friday, April 8, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Ainsworth, Nebraska with Pastor Georg Williams officiating. A Prayer Service will be held Thursday, April 7, 2016, from 7-8 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Ainsworth. Inurnment will be in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery at Ainsworth. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.