Thief River Falls – Marjorie Panek, 81, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at Oakland Park Communities in Thief River Falls, with her loving & devoted husband at her side.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, with Father Rick Lambert presiding. Burial will follow at St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Thief River Falls.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., with a 7 p.m. prayer service on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the funeral on Wednesday at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church.
Marjorie Ann Russell was born on October 27, 1935 in Reno, NV the daughter of Kenneth and Helen (Rupprecht) Russell. When very young, her family moved to Thief River Falls. Marge attended grade school at Steiner School through 8th grade and then to Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls where she graduated in 1952. On November 16, 1954, she was married to Henry Panek and raised three children, John, Steven and Susan.
In the 1980s, Marge attended Northland Community College and graduated with a Paralegal Degree. She was a bookkeeper at the Thief River Falls Cooperative Creamery, Kordel Furniture and Cenex. She was also employed at Digi-Key for several years.
Marge was all about family, her Catholic faith, and dabbling in a variety of activities throughout her life. She was always willing to babysit her grandkids and loved babies. Grandma’s house was their second home and she always had good food and treats at all times. Marge was a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church for over 60 years. She taught religious education, was an active volunteer and a Eucharistic Minister. Marge was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary and Hospital Auxiliary. Marge was always trying something new. Ceramics, knitting, crocheting, gardening, canning, sewing, and taking flying lessons were just a few. Her favorites included music, polka and waltz dancing, reading, going for scenic rides and “stopping for lunch.”
Marge is survived by her husband of 62 year, Henry Panek; son, Steve Panek of Goodridge; daughter, Sue (Kevin) Johnson of Thief River Falls; Daughter-in-Law Sheila Panek; siblings, Betty Larson of Carrington, ND and Lorraine (Dale) Grondahl of Buffalo; grandchildren, Jill (Adam) Arnquist, Tia Eggers, Joe Panek, Paige (Sam Harger) Panek, Clint (Jessica) Panek, Spencer (Lynnsie) Johnson and Anna Johnson; eight great-grandchildren; special family friend, Kathy Panek; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father; her son, John Panek; brothers, Maurice (Shirley) and Bruce Russell; and brother-in-law, Don Larson.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.