Johnny Eugene Pankoke, Jr., 45

Johnny left his family and friends Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. He was doing what he loved most, riding his beloved Harley Davidson motorcycle, when he was in an accident less than a mile from his home in Athol, Idaho.  

Johnny was born to John and Jenett Pankoke (Allessio) in Prosser, Wash. Johnny grew up in Grandview, Wash., where he excelled in youth sports. He played baseball, basketball and football, and he also was involved in wrestling and swimming. Though Johnny was a gifted athlete in more traditional sports, he found his passion in motocross. He was mentored by his good friend, Fred Mendoza, and became a gifted rider. Johnny raced for many years, but after some devastating accidents, injuries and the birth of his daughter, Maggee Mae, he gave up the sport. In recent years, his yearning for being on a bike brought him to his first Harley Davidson motorcycle purchase. Johnny loved taking long rides with his good friend, David Gorringe. 

Johnny’s main focus in life was to live it to the fullest. Take the risks, have the fun, spend the money. He was the most kind and generous person. He loved showering his loved ones with thoughtful gifts, cooking amazing meals, going on weekend adventures with his wife and Josh and Marisa Traun, and spending time with his friends and family at his home where he could entertain with his love of music, food and laughter. He was quiet by nature, but extremely funny. He had no shame and would do just about anything for a laugh. He also loved the outdoors. In recent years, Johnny and his wife, Brandi, lived in Athol on a tree farm, where Johnny could be in the woods in 50 steps or less. He was extremely happy there. 

In his work life, Johnny most recently was a superintendent for Architerra Homes. He enjoyed his time working there. More importantly he enjoyed the people he worked with. 

Johnny and his wife, Brandi, were married Oct. 8, 2022, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. They were thrilled to create their family of five with their three children, Ben, Maggee and Jack. Johnny was thrilled to be a husband. He waited to get married later in life and thrived as a husband and father. His family meant the world to him. 

Johnny was preceded in death by his grandparents, Leadra and James Allessio, of Grandview, Wash., and Clarence and Josie Pankoke, of Beaver Crossing, Neb. Johnny is survived by his parents, John and Jenett Pankoke; his wife, Brandi Pankoke (Scates); his daughter, Maggee Pankoke; his sister, Jessica (Rob) Hoepfer; his stepsons, Benjamin (Amelia) Meade, Jackson Meade and Payton Stroh; his brother-in-law, Mark Scates; his nephews, Skeet Peloza and Jett Scates; his nieces, Olivia Scates and Oliva Hoepfer; and several aunts, uncles and cousins in Washington and Nebraska. 

Johnny's memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at Yates Funeral Home — Hayden Chapel, 373 E. Hayden, ID 83835. Please visit Johnny’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.