Delton Lloyd Panko was born to Albert and Anna (Rulla) Panko on October 12, 1933 on the family farm near Burr, Nebraska. He was baptized at home on December 3, 1933 and confirmed March 21, 1948, at the Hope Lutheran Church in Burr, Nebraska. He attended Burr Public Schools for 11 years and graduated from Teacher’s College High School in 1950. He worked in the hardware business for one year after graduation and then went to Chicago for schooling at De-Forest, receiving his certificate in Radio and TV Repair in 1953.

He was united in marriage to Frances “Fran” Biere on May 12, 1956 at Bethel United Church of Christ in Nebraska and together they raised three children. Fran passed away August 17, 2013. Delton served in the Army for 22 months from 1955-1957, in Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana. After his military service, Delton returned to the farm near Burr, where he farmed and did radio and t.v. part-time until retiring around 2000. He and Fran moved from the farm into Burr in 1990 and later to Tecumseh in 2005. Delton was a life-long member of the Lutheran Church, transferring from Hope Lutheran, Burr, to Martin Luther Church, Johnson, later in life. While at Burr, Delton was chairman of the Hope Lutheran Church Council and financial secretary. He also served on the Farmer’s Cooperative Board, Otoe County Board of Adjustment, Burr School Board and was president of the Capitol Pork Producers.

In his retirement, Delton loved following UNL Athletics, fishing, golfing and gardening, as well as spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He passed away August 18, 2026 at the Good Samaritan Center in Syracuse, Nebraska at the age of 92 years.

Delton is survived by his son, Mark Panko and wife Kim of Burr, daughters Julie Haberman and husband Bob of Lincoln and Jane Kuhl and husband Gary of Elk Creek, grandchildren, Ryan Panko and wife Kebra of Toronto, KS, Bret Panko of Lincoln, Tyler Damme and wife Kate of Rowlette, TX, Katie Atkins and husband Michael of Omaha, and Anna Jones and husband Robert of Adams, step-grandsons, Jeremy Klein and wife Nicki of Henderson and Josh Haberman and wife Kim of York, great-grandchildren, Emma, Ila, and Dottie Panko, Reagan and Jamisen Klein, James Damme, Vanessa Barr and husband Lucas, Millie Atkins, and Landon and Leighton Jones, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Delton was preceded in death by his parents, wife Fran, sister Valda Goldenstein and husband Erv, brother Harold Panko and step-great-grandson Owen Klein.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 29, 2026 at the Martin Luther Church, rural Johnson, Nebraska with Pastor Ken Tubbesing officiating. Organist, Lois Linke, will accompany congregational hymns, “The Old Rugged Cross”, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and I’ll Fly Away.” Honorary pallbearers are Ryan Panko, Bret Panko, Jeremy Klein, Katie Atkins, Anna Jones and Tyler Damme. The service will also be livestreamed on the Wherry Mortuary Facebook page for those unable to attend.

Visitation will be held from 9-8, with family greeting friends from 5:30–7:30 p.m., Friday, August 28, 2026 at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska. Inurnment will be in the Martin Luther Cemetery, rural Johnson, Nebraska. Memorials may go to the family’s choice. Services are entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, Tecumseh, Nebraska.