Joseph Panis Jr.

He was born Jan. 5, 1931, in Norway, the son of the late Joseph and Jennie (Bernard) Panis Sr.

Joe attended Niagara Township schools, until he decided to venture into his life passion, which was farming.

In 1954, while dancing at the J & J Club, Joe met the love of his life Shirley Enama. Just one year later they were united in holy matrimony at St. Barbara Catholic Church in Vulcan on June 18, 1955. They continued to share their love for one another for 67 years.

Farming was Joe’s passion and he was very good at it. Garnering numerous state and county awards, such as the 1964 Outstanding Young Farmer, sponsored by the Marinette Junior Chamber of Commerce for exceptional progress in agriculture and contributions to the community, and the 1970 Outstanding Conservation Farmer of the Year.

Joe also was an exceptional welder, learning this trade while attending tech school after his long days in the fields of potatoes and other crops. He seriously could fix, design, or fabricate anything for his farm.

His spare time was little but he always found time to take his children on family vacations and spend time with his grandchildren. He traveled to Canada fishing with friends and family. He also took a trip of a lifetime with his son Michael to Belgium to finally meet his extended relations at the Panis family reunion.

Joe loved animals, he had several dogs over the years, a rescue horse and farm animals.

He was such a hard worker, it was sun up to sundown for Joe. He always would joke, “I was born tired and no time to rest.” Joe finally earned a time to rest.

Joe is survived by his loving life partner, Shirley; son, Michael (Sally) Panis; daughters, Julie (Eric) Hansen and Mary (Donald) Drogemuller; grandchildren, Brady (Clare LaFaivre) Panis, Dylan Panis, Jenna (Anthony) Erno, Tyler (Destini) Hansen, Kayla (Kyle) Hansen-Fox, Morgan (Amos Mahoney) Hansen, and John Panis; great-grandchildren, Bryce and Carsen Erno, Kyler Hansen-Fox and Ella; brother-in-law, Jerome (Cleo) Enama; sister-in-law, Lorraine Thomas; many nieces and nephews; and special friends, Joe Geldmeyer and Anthony Jodocy.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, David; sisters, Marie Rochetti and Louise “Wizzy” Panis.

According to Joe’s wishes there will be private funeral services at a later date.

Condolences to the family of Joe may be expressed online at www.ortmanfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were made with the Ortman Funeral Home in Norway.