Tom Panek, age 82, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away on June 29, 2022 surrounded by his family at home. He was born on April 5, 1940 to Thomas F. and Mayme (Kucina) Panek.
He graduated from New Prague High School, and earned an Associate’s Degree in commercial construction.
In 1963 Tom married Jane Hentges and enjoyed 38 years with her until she passed away. Together they welcomed their wonderful children Jean (Gary) Langdon, Mark (Pattie) Panek, and Sandra (Mike) Overstreet. In 2002 Tom married Naomi Cooper to add fullness to life.
He was crazy about his family, taking great pride in the accomplishing of each of his children and grandchildren; he couldn’t help bragging about each of them. He was happiest surrounded by the entire family.
Tom was an avid fisherman on the lakes around MN, and was excited to make many fly-in trips to remote lakes in Canada.
He was very proud of his 39-year career with M.A. Mortensen Company as general superintendent in commercial construction. He felt especially honored to work personally with Mort Jr. and watch the growth of that company. Tom worked on numerous hospital and school building projects. He often remarked that he helped build the University of Minnesota Medical Center. A few years later he courageously began a 32 year battle against CLL there.
Tom loved everything wild and “outdoors”; camping with family and friends every summer weekend, long annual camping trips to Florida and Colorado with family; snowmobiling locally and “up north.”
He enjoyed yardwork, gardening, backyard bird-watching, and even clearing snowy driveways – the more snow, the better he liked it!
Always an active man, he was enthusiastic about fishing, camping, shooting, racquetball, and boating with family and friends.
His faith in God was of utmost importance to him. He faithfully took his family to church each week, and served as an Usher.
Survived by wife Naomi; children, Jean (Gary) Langdon, Mark (Pattie) Panek, Sandra (Mike) Overstreet, John Culpepper, Dan (Pam) Culpepper, Jennifer (Dan) Vick; grandchildren, Isabel Panek, Sophie Langdon, Anna Panek, Ellie Langdon, Kristen Langdon, Claire Mathiowetz, Jack Mathiowetz, Teddy Mathiowetz, Brittany Culpepper, Cody Culpepper, Alyssa Culpepper, Rowdy Culpepper, Jordan (Alia) Charles, Lincoln Vick, Mckinley Vick, Ashley (Jerry Most) Culpepper, Trevor Culpepper, Jenni Overstreet, Jack Overstreet and nine great grands.
Preceding him in death are wife Jane, parents Thomas and Mayme Panek, brother Clayton Panek.
Celebration of Life services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at Friendship Church, Prior Lake (17741 Fairlawn Ave). Visitation time will be held from 9:30 – 11:00 AM prior to services.
Interment Calvary Cemetery, Jordan, MN.
