Melbourne A. Pankowski

Melbourne Aloysius "Mick" Pankowski, Sr. was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 23, 1933, and passed away peacefully at home in Holly, Michigan on January 9, 2025, at 91. Mick was a retired GM tool and die maker who later served as a beloved courtesy driver for Martin Buick and Randy Wise Buick for over 20 years.
In his younger days, Mick loved spending time "Up North" in Lewiston, Michigan, enjoying snow and water skiing. A dedicated Lakeland Eagle marching band dad, he volunteered tirelessly, traveling with the band to Washington, D.C., and numerous parades. He found joy in coaching youth hockey, especially his three sons, and cherished family camping trips to Iowa. Known for his bolo ties, Mick proudly wore his wedding day blue suede shoes and socks to every grandchild's wedding.
A passionate Michigan football fan and tailgater for over 30 years, Mick also supported the Iowa Hawkeyes and Auburn Tigers, reflecting his love for family. An avid coin collector, he delighted in giving his grandchildren and great-grandchildren "ice cream money" coins. Mick had a deep love for animals, caring for dogs, chickens, turkeys, and deer. Mick's legacy as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and dear friend is cherished by many. He also cherished a glass of bourbon, especially Woodford Reserve (fondly called "Woodruff"), with his grandchildren.
Surviving family:
• Children: Mel Pankowski Jr. (Lenore) of Townville, SC; Paul Pankowski (Brenda) of LaMotte, IA; Marlena Pankowski of Holly, MI; Philip Pankowski of Holly, MI
• Grandchildren: Audrie Worley (Harris) of Alpharetta, GA; Laura Myers (Joshua) of Atlanta, GA; Jon Pankowski (Katelyn) of Bellevue, IA; Ben Pankowski (Rachel) of Goshen, KY; Parker Pankowski (Jestine) of Omaha, NE
• Great-grandchildren: Henry Pankowski, Ila Pankowski, Everett Worley, and Tate Pankowski
• Sister-in-law: Christine Perkowski
• Nieces: Karen Budds (Denis) of S. Rockwood, MI; Ellen Laritz of Clinton Township, MI
• Great nieces and nephews: Matthew Budds, Bryan Budds, Jeff Laritz, Rachel Laritz, Lauren Reck, Matt Kolioupoulos, Michael Laritz
Preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Shirley Ann Perkowski Pankowski, his parents Al and Francis Pankowski, in-laws Ben and Helen Perkowski, sister and brother-in-law Michael and Adele Scrafano, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Mary Jane and John Osak, and nephew Kenneth Laritz.
Mick's family and many friends extends across Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Iowa, Nebraska, Georgia, South Carolina, and New York.
The family is grateful to the compassionate hospice volunteers from Compassus of Grand Blanc.