Goodridge – Arlene Rae Panek, 77, rural Goodridge, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on Monday, May 3, 2021.
On September 13, 1943, Arlene was born in Thief River Falls to Paul and Alma (Raasch) Siebert. She attended school in Goodridge, graduating in 1961. Following school, Arlene was united in marriage to Stanley Panek, Jr., on July 1, 1961 in Grygla. Together, they farmed livestock and grains until 2002, when Stanley retired. Arlene began working at Northern Pride, in the scales and grading department, until about 2008, when Arlene retired after 20 years. In 2016, Arlene learned that she had cancer; she continued to work in her gardens and care for those around her.
Arlene and Stanley received the Farm Beautification Award in 2011. Decorating for Christmas was a yearly project for Arlene and Stanley. Together, they created a vast holiday attraction for family and area residents for many years.
Arlene loved working with vegetable and flower gardens, as well as embroidering dishtowels with special themes. Many family and friends were blessed by receiving a set of 7. Crossword puzzles kept her mind sharp, and if she didn’t have the answer, she would use a dictionary, encyclopedia, etc. to find the answer. Collecting salt and pepper shakers was a passion for her and she collected over 1000 sets. She loved to cook for family and friends, and when people came to her home, she would always ask if they had eaten. Arlene was a compassionate, loving, and caring person who put others before herself.
Arlene is survived by her husband, Stanley Jr., Goodridge; children, Jeff (Belinda), Tea, SD, Jimmy (Tanya Kippen), West Fargo, ND, Kathy (Kirby) Hamre, Reiles Acres, ND, and Scott, Goodridge; 11 grandchildren, Jason (Sara) Panek, Tyler (Audra) Panek, Kassie (Tyler) Lindemoen, Kyle Panek, Zach Panek, Jacob Panek, Katie Panek, Samantha Teschendorf, Duncan Kippen, Kristopher (Christina) Kvick, and Alex Hamre; 9 great-grandchildren; siblings, Kenny (Donna) Siebert and Betty Harder; and several nephews and nieces.
She is preceded in death by brothers, Raymond (Janice) Siebert, Harold (Jeanette) Siebert, and Gordon Siebert; sister, Doris (Raymond) Dalton; and infants, one sister and two brothers.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. on Friday, May 7, 2021 at Johnson Funeral Chapel, Thief River Falls.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m., May 6, 2021, and one hour before the service at Johnson Funeral Chapel, Thief River Falls.
Burial will be at Silverton Cemetery, Pennington County, rural Thief River Falls.
May God bless her memory.
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