Gerald Panek

Gerald P. Panek, age 87, of Dakota, MN, passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2019, at Lake Winona Manor.

He was born on December 30, 1931, in La Crosse, WI, to Gerald C. and Minnie (Larsen) Panek.  He was united in marriage with Marlee Ackerman on April 7, 1955, in Ellsworth, MN, and she preceded him in death on January 1, 2017.

Gerald honorably served his country with the United States Navy, and was a member of the La Crescent American Legion.

He farmed for many years in Dakota, and was also employed with Allis Chalmers, and La Crosse Steel Roofing.  Gerald enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, and was a fan of the Green Bay Packers.  He was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Nodine.

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

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marlee; son, David; sister-in-law: Dorothy Evans; brothers-in-law: Art Evans and John Schroeder; as well as a niece and several nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5 PM until 7 PM on Monday, October 28, 2019, at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home.  Visitation will also be held from 10 AM until the funeral service at 11 AM on Tuesday, October 29, 2019, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Nodine.  The Reverend Dennis Harbach will officiate.  Gerald will be laid to rest in Hiler Cemetery, Nodine, with military honors.

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 Gerald’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

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