Annette Marie Pankonin

Annette Marie (Mandich) Best Pankonin, 69, formerly of Virginia, MN, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2025, in Chisholm, MN, under the care of Aspen Grove Assisted Living. She was born on November 30, 1955, to Mary Strukel and Eli Mandich Sr.

Annette was a proud straight-A student at Greenway High School and later graduated from Northwest Technical College as a medical secretary. She often hurried home for lunch from Wadena Power & Light to see her son Jeff and bring an M&M treat. Annette welcomed everyone with “Did you eat yet?” and loved long phone chats, dancing with Harold to BTO, and life on the Clarissa farm. Annette gave the best hugs and had an easy laugh. Her sweet, gentle spirit will be missed.

She was the loving mother of Jeffrey Best and former wife of Harold Pankonin. Annette is survived by her son, siblings, nieces and nephews.

In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Aspen Grove Assisted Living in Chisholm, MN.

There will be a graveside service held at 11:00AM on Thursday, November 20,2025, at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing, MN. Pastor Todd Block will officiate the service.