Henry Panek, 96, of Thief River Falls, MN passed away on Friday, October 1, 2021 at Oakland Park Communities, Thief River Falls, MN with his loving family by his side.

Visitation will be on Thursday, October 7, 2021 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:30 PM on Friday, October 8, 2021 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Father Rick Lambert presiding. Burial will follow at St. Bernard's Cemetery in Thief River Falls.

Henry John Panek was born October 6, 1924 on the family farm in Silverton Township, Pennington County, MN. He was the third of seven children born to Stanley and Frances (Kolski) Panek. He was baptized into the catholic faith and confirmed at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Thief River Falls. He attended the Stoney Range Country School until the 8th Grade. After completing school, he farmed with his Dad. They farmed many different things including horses, sheep, chickens, milk cows, beef cows, pigs and various grains.

On November 16, 1954, Henry was married to Marjorie Ann Russell. Henry built their home that same year on the family farm where they raised 3 children, John, Steven, and Susan. Along with farming, Henry was manager of the alfalfa plant in Thief River Falls for several years.

Henry was a self-trained carpenter. He helped build several homes, sheds and barns for family members and neighbors throughout the years.

He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and family man. Henry loved kids and kids loved him. He was always on call to watch his grandkids and he never declined the chance to be with them. He had a very welcoming personality, great sense of humor, was super fun to be around, and had a lot of energy. His interest in life never waned. Henry had an extreme sweet tooth. He kept a candy drawer, and everybody knew where it was. He always was a good cook and later in life, he became an excellent baker. He enjoyed sharing his baking by delivering cookies to his favorite people. Other favorites and hobbies were music, polka and waltz dancing, watching nightly news, going for scenic rides and "stopping for lunch".

Henry was an active member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus in Thief River Falls. He served as eucharistic minister, usher, RCIA leader, and he and Marge led a weekly rosary at Valley Home, as well as other volunteerism with the church. He was a dedicated volunteer at the St. Bernard's fish fry for many, many years. He served on the Silverton Township Board for 53 years and was a State Fire Warden. Other memberships included Golden Pioneers, Odd-Fellows, and Eagles Club. Henry also served on multiple boards.

Henry is survived by daughter, Sue (Kevin) Johnson of Thief River Falls, MN; daughter-in-law, Kathy Panek; grandchildren, Jill (Adam) Arnquist, Tia Eggers, Joe Panek, Paige (Sam Harger) Panek, Clint (Jessica) Panek, Spencer (Lynnsie) Johnson and Anna Johnson; 12 great grandchildren; siblings, Robert Panek and Stanley Panek Jr. and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Marge; sons, John (Sheila) Panek and Steve Panek; parents; siblings, George (Pat) Panek, Walter (Sharon) Panek, Deloris (Henry) Bendickson, Norman (Evelyn) Panek; sisters-in-law, Doris Panek and Arlene Panek.

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com