Tim Palank

Timothy "Tim" Douglas Palank was born on June 22, 1980, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was baptized at the Augustana College congregation. He grew up in Hardwick, Minnesota and was confirmed at the First Presbyterian Church in Luverne, Minnesota. He graduated from Luverne High School in 1998. During his time in high school he enjoyed musical theater and was in their production of Grease. Tim also acted in the Green Earth Players production of Brigadoon. He attended fall and spring semesters at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, and then attended for a short time Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota before he moved to Omaha in August of 2001. He worked at several restaurants in Omaha before being hired at Sullivan's Steakhouse and working with them for a number of years. In June of 2017 he transferred from Sullivan's Omaha, to Sullivan's Wilmington, Delaware where he was a Sommelier and manager. While living in Omaha and Delaware he learned a great deal about the restaurant and hospitality industry. In December of 2021 he became a manager at Steak 48 in City Center Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He loved his work and lived for the excitement and fast-paced nature of a restaurant. On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, he passed away unexpectedly of natural causes as he left the restaurant. He was 45 years, 4 months, and 6 days old.

Tim was an enthusiastic sports fan, especially baseball and the Minnesota Twins. He always rooted for Minnesota teams, but he did tolerate Philadelphia teams. He and Sandy loved exploring the East coast food scene, concerts, art museums and National Parks. One of Tim's favorite summer rituals was the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee. In true Tim fashion he had made many friendships that were still a strong connection. Above all these things, his greatest joy was being an Uncle.

He is lovingly remembered by his beloved partner, Sandy Groenwold of Claymont, Delaware; his parents, Sarah (Gary) Kooiker of Brandon, South Dakota; father, Douglas (Vicki) Palank of Omaha, Nebraska; siblings, Abigail (Marc) and Isla Carey of Champlin, Minnesota, Hannah (Roberto) and Jack Timothy Luciano of Gainesville, Florida, and Jessica Palank of Omaha, Nebraska; and many loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his Bracken Grandparents; Palank Grandparents; uncle, Leslie Palank; aunt, Julie Pepper; Grandma Kooiker; and Grandma Hostler.

Memorials may be directed to Luverne Dollars for Scholars or the Animal Humane Society.