Gerald L. (Jerry) Pankratz went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 18, 2012. He passed away very peacefully, after a very short but fierce battle with cancer, with his family surrounding him at the Hospice House of San Joaquin County. Jerry was born October 16, 1937 in Herrington, Kansas to Walter G. and Lena M. Pankratz.  He moved to Turlock, California as a sophomore in high school and graduated from Turlock High School in 1955.  He attended Modesto Junior college after which he transferred to Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas.  He returned to Turlock after college and went to work for Security State Bank for several years before joining the management team of Stanislaus-Merced Savings and Loan in 1961.  He remained employed with them for 28 years, through name changes to State Savings & Loan and American Savings and Loan.  He was self-employed in a retail business with his wife, Linda, for 4 years in the Bay Area, before moving back to Stockton in 1997.  He completed his business career doing finish carpentry and custom furniture/cabinetry work for ProCab, a company he formed and operated with his Son-In-Law, Jim Balch.

Jerry met his wife, Linda Walls, in Turlock, CA and they were married in November of 1962.  During their marriage the Savings and Loan Journey took them to various valley towns and cities, where Jerry either managed or opened multiple savings and loan branches before moving to the main headquarters in Stockton, CA in 1978.

Jerry and Linda had three children, Bradley Pankratz (Jackie), Lori Balch (Jim) and Barry Pankratz (Carrie). He had five grandchildren, Danielle Pankratz Barbee (Joshua), Matthew Balch (Alicia) Jenna Balch, Jacob Balch, & Mirranda Rebholz.  He also leaves five great grandchildren, Audrey, Jackson & Lincoln Barbee, Molly & McKenna Balch.

Jerry also leaves behind a sister, Dorothy Monroe of Henderson, Nevada, a Brother, Walter Pankratz (JoAnn) of San Diego, CA, a sister, Helen Stewart (Bill) of Kingsburg, CA, and many, many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

 There will be a Memorial Service open to family and friends on Saturday, July 28th, at 3:00 p.m. at Quail Lakes Baptist Church, 1904 Quail Lakes Drive, Stockton, California 95207, where he was a member for many years.  A reception will following the church social hall.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice house of San Joaquin County.