Marlee Panek

MARLEE J. PANEK

Marlee J. Panek, age 83, of Dakota, MN, passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2017, at Lake Winona Manor.

Marlee was born on March 21, 1933, in Rock Rapids, IA, to Henry and Esther (Hickman) Ackerman, and graduated in 1951 from the Ellsworth High School in Ellsworth, MN.  Marlee was united in marriage with Gerald Panek on April 7, 1955, in Ellsworth.

She farmed with her husband for many years in Dakota.   She was a devoted homemaker, and as a loving wife, mom, and grandma, she enjoyed cooking and taking care of her family.

Marlee was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Nodine, and was active with the Ladies Aid.

She will be remembered for her love of sewing, bowling, and she especially cherished the many card games she played with her grandchildren.  She will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Marlee is lovingly survived by her husband, Gerald, Winona; children: James (Judy) Panek, Dakota, MN; Ricky (Terry) Panek, Elba, MN;  David (Cindy) Panek, Dakota, MN;  Jodi Stark (Jon Stennes), Stewartville, MN; and  Kevin (Jolinda) Panek, Altura, MN; grandchildren: Eric, Marcy, Nicole, Brandon, Laura, Jamie, Kyle, Bobbi, Dillon, Daniel, Carli, Michael, and Ethan; 23 great-grandchildren; sister: Shirley (Harlon) Harms, Ellsworth, MN; a sister-in-law: Virginia Schroeder, Winona, MN; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister: Dorothy Evans; brothers-in-law: Art Evans and John Schroeder; as well as a niece and several nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3 PM on Thursday, January 5, 2017, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Nodine.  The Reverend Dennis Harbach will officiate.

Marlee will be laid to rest in Hiler Cemetery, Nodine.

Visitation will be held at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Nodine on Thursday, January 5, 2017, from 12 Noon until the time of the service.

Pallbearers will be: Eric Panek, Brandon Panek, Dillon Panek, Michael Panek, Ethan Panek, and Daniel Stark.

It is respectfully requested that memorials be directed to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Nodine.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Marlee’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home of Winona is assisting the family with arrangements.