Gerald Panzenhagen's Obituary
Gerald J. Panzenhagen, age 75, of Waupaca, WI, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2006. Jerry was born in Shiocton on May 17, 1931, the son of the late Henry and Anna Panzenhagen. He attended school in Shiocton and graduated in 1950. He joined the US Air Force and was a veteran of the Korean War. Jerry then joined AT&T where he worked from 1955 to 1984. After retiring from AT&T, he founded Waupaca Telephone, which is now operated as Telstar Communications. In 1955, Jerry met the love of his life, Marjorie L. Burns of Hortonville. Marge and Jerry were married on July 14, 1956 and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past July. Jerry will be sadly missed by his wife, Marge, his children, Denise Zantow (Bob) of Elm Grove, WI and her family Matthew and Emily; Scott (Joan) Panzenhagen of Waupaca and their family, Alex and Justine. Also surviving are Jerry's brother in law, Clifford Burns of Menasha, sister in law, Arlouine Kringel of Hortonville, sister in law, Audrey Granger Hansen of Nekoosa, sister in law, Mary Panzenhagen of Appleton and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents, his brothers, Bud and David Panzenhagen and his sister, Mae Strong. Jerry was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waupaca, a past member of the Waupaca Lions Club, a past President of the Waupaca Curling Club and a member of the Waupaca Country Club. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren. Jerry was an avid golfer, he loved to travel with his family, enjoyed the beauty of the Chain O' Lakes and cherished the serenity of the crystal river. Jerry was a man of strong character, a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and a friend of so many. He never missed an opportunity to help those in need. A Christian Funeral Service will be on Monday, Dec. 11 at 11 AM at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church in Waupaca with Reverends Jeffrey Holtan & Aaron Winkelman, officiating. Burial will be in Hortonville Union Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday, Dec. 10 from 4 to 7 PM at Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca and from 10 AM Monday until time of services at the church.
The family would like to thank the Staff at Fox Valley Hematology & Oncology Dept. at Martha Siekman Center, Appleton. Also, Dr. Swanson, Dr. Phillips, Nurse Chris and Theda Care Hospice and Nurse Maureen. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.
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