Werner Edwin Panning

Werner Edwin Panning, 91, of Aitkin, formerly of Columbia Heights, passed away peacefully, Friday, July 12, 2024 at Aicota Health Care Center, Aitkin.  He was born to William and Martha (Jaus) Panning on May 19, 1933 in Washington Lake township, Sibley County.  Werner was baptized on May 28, 1933 by Rev. Paul Panning at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hamburg.  Werner confirmed his faith in the Lord on March 30, 1947 at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hamburg with Rev. Wohlfeil.  His confirmation verse was Romans 6:4 “We are therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”  Werner attended Emanuel Lutheran Parochial School in Hamburg through 8th grade.

On September 18, 1954, Werner was united in marriage to Evelyn Mae Renken by Rev. J.G. Bradtke at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Arlington.  The couple made their home first in rural Arlington and a short time later in Hamburg.  In 1958, they moved to Columbia Heights and in 1995, they both retired and moved to Aitkin.  Their marriage was blessed with four children, Ronald, Ramona, Michael and Dale.  Werner and Evelyn shared over 69 years of marriage.

Werner worked for over 35 years with the University of Minnesota and was employed as a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Maintenance Mechanic at the time of his retirement in 1995.

Blessed be his memory.

Werner is preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles and Malinda Renken; brothers, Raymond (Myra) Panning, Roland Panning, Hillard Panning Marvin (Violet) Panning, Gordon Panning and William Panning; sisters, Helma (Karl) Hoernemann, Norma (Elmer) Engelmann, Irmgard (Elmer) Otto, Martha Smith; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Eldrin (Marvel) Renken, Wayne Proehl and Marlaine Panning; nieces and nephews.

Werner is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn; children, Ronald (Laury) Panning, Ramona (Duane) Knealing, Michael (Debra Panning and Dale (Nancy) Panning; grandchildren, Nicholas (Angela) Panning, Lisa (Joseph Reiter) Panning, Sandra (Nathon Giese) Panning, Jay Panning, Charlene (Brett) Willenbring, Charles (Chelsey) Knealing, Andrew Panning, Michelle (Erik) Bryz-Gornia, Ryan (Katie Panning, David (Brittany) Panning and Kristen (Bill) Esterby; great grandchildren, Owen Panning, Kyle Panning Zeke Panning, Max Panning, James Panning Lily Tews, Dameyon Giese, Kieran Willenbring, Kellen Willenbring, Rylan Knealing, Annika Knealing, Adeline Knealing, Everett Bryz-Gornia, Scarlett Panning Addison Panning, Devan Panning, Laurel Panning, Sophia Esterby, Brenton Esterby; brother, Melroy Panning; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Harvin Smith, Wilbert (Darlene) Renken, Marilyn Bjelland, Lois Panning, Deanna Panning, Helen Proehl, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Services will be Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 11 AM in Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 16345 Polk St NE, Ham Lake, 55304.  Pastor Keith Grimm and Pastor Craig Quiring will officiate.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church.  A luncheon will immediately follow services.  To leave a message of condolence, please visit:  www.srtfuneral.com.  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Aitkin.

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