• Visitation
  • Wednesday, April 15, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00pm/noon at Heritage Funeral Homes, 9200 S. 27th Street, Oak Creek
• Funeral Service
  • Wednesday, April 15, starting at 12:00pm/noon at Heritage Funeral Homes, 9200 S. 27th Street, Oak Creek

Colin Kyrle Pankow

“Cowpie”

Colin Kyrle Pankow, affectionately known as “Cowpie,” passed away peacefully at home on April 9, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply. He was 64 years old.

Colin was the devoted husband and best friend of Gean Pankow (née Nicikowski). Together, they shared more than 38 years of marriage after being united on May 16, 1987. Their life together was marked by love, laughter, unwavering support, and a partnership built on genuine friendship. Everything Colin cherished began and ended with his family, and no one meant more to him than Gean.

He was a loving and proud father to his son, Colin Jr. (Randi), and his daughter, Olivia (Joshua) Olson. Colin especially treasured his role as a grandfather to Rhyley and Gavin Olson and Lydia Pankow, finding endless joy in time spent with them.

Colin was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Sarah Pankow, and his brother, Gregory Pankow. He is survived by his brother Donald Jr. (Donna) Pankow; his father-in-law Bernard Nicikowski; and his siblings-in-law Yvonne (Larry) Heikkinen, Alane (Dave) Reeser, Paula (John) King, and Kelly Heidenreich, along with many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

Born in Racine on December 28, 1961, Colin graduated from Saint Catherine’s High School in 1980. He remained proud of his roots and his community throughout his life. A faithful member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Caledonia, his values were grounded in faith, kindness, and family.

Colin had a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life. He loved fishing, camping, hunting, gardening, and canning, but above all, he cherished time spent with his family. Whether outdoors, at home, or gathered together, those moments were what mattered most to him.

Colin will be remembered for his gentle heart, his dedication to those he loved, and the quiet strength with which he lived his life. His legacy lives on in the family he built, the memories he created, and the love he shared so freely.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 15, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at Heritage Funeral Homes, 9200 S. 27th Street, Oak Creek. A funeral service will follow immediately at 12:00 noon.