Pansy Waseskuk

Pansy Waseskuk, 97, Toledo, died Monday, Feb. 28, 2011 at Carrington Place of Toledo under the care of Iowa River Hospice. A Graveside Service will be held Thursday, March 3, 2011, at 2 p.m. at the Meskwaki Cemetery on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama with Pastor Victor White officiating. A wake will be held Wednesday evening, March 2, at the Leonard Johnson residence in rural Tama.

Pansy was born on July 29, 1913, in Rosebud, S.D., the daughter of Edward and Margaret (McKenzie) Peniska. She was a member of the Ponca-Sioux tribe. Pansy attended Geona Indian School in Geona, Neb.. She was united in marriage to Robert Waseskuk on Sept. 2, 1934, in Gregory, S.D.

Pansy made ceramic tiles with her husband at his business, Tama Indian Crafts. She was a member of Mesquakie Presbyterian Church where she was involved in making Christmas care packages for families and was later a member of the Mesquakie Friends Church. Pansy loved to read and work crossword puzzles. She will be remembered for the great love she had for all of her grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Bob Waseskuk; great-grandson, Anthony Kapayou; daughter-in-law, Polly Waseskuk; six brothers; and six sisters.

Survivors include one daughter, Barbara (Leonard) Johnson of Tama; one son, Bob “Skakie” Waseskuk of Cedar Falls; 13 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; 42 great-great grandchildren; and her sister-in-law and best friend, Gene Waseskuk of Tama.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo is handling the arrangements.*