Wilbert “Bert” Wyman Panning

Obituary

Wilbert “Bert” Wyman Panning was born on November 21, 1944, in Waconia, Minnesota. He was the son of Wilbert and Myrtle (Schwirtz) Panning. Wilbert was baptized as an infant on December 19, 1944, at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hamburg, Minnesota, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth at Zion Lutheran Church in rural Green Isle, Minnesota. He received his education through Grade 8 at Zion Lutheran Church School in Green Isle Township and then graduated from Arlington-Green Isle High School. Bert also took some business classes after high school.

On September 25, 1964, Bert was united in marriage to Harriet Laabs at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Arlington, Minnesota. He was born and raised in Green Isle. Bert and Harriet made their home in Cologne where they raised their boys.  The moved back to Green Isle and lived there for several years before moving back to Chaska just over one month ago.  Their marriage was blessed with three sons, Matt, Nate and Lance. Bert and Harriet shared over 53 years of marriage.

Bert worked as a bread delivery man and built silos when he was first married. He then worked for 16 years at Eaton Corporation previously known as Char-Lynn Corporation. Bert then worked as a manager at Pure Humidifier Company in Chaska for several years. He then became the part time City Clerk of Green Isle enjoying this position for a few years until March 2018 when it was decided they would move to Chaska. Bert was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Green Isle. He was also a past member of the school board for Central High School in Norwood Young America, Minnesota.

Bert enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and bowling and also was a very good softball player in his day. He loved coaching his children’s little league games and umpiring softball games. He especially loved the outdoors and was content sitting on his deck or by the fire. Bert especially enjoyed spending time with friends and family and adored his grandsons and granddaughter.

Bert passed away on Thursday, May 17, 2018, at 212 Medical Center in Chaska, Minnesota, at the age of 73 years, 5 months and 27 days.

Blessed be his memory.

Bert is survived by his:
Wife, Harriet Panning of Chaska, MN;
Sons, Matt Panning and his wife, Lori, of Chaska, MN,
Nate Panning of Wilmington, NC;
Grandchildren, Jack, Drew, Kaleb, Gracie;
Sister, Lynn Wehnert and her husband, Randy, of Cologne, MN;
Sister-In-Law, Karen Hanson and her husband, Chuck, of Brainerd, MN;
Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Bert is preceded in death by his Parents, Wilbert and Myrtle Panning; Son, Lance Panning; Brother, Lowell Panning.