Mildred W. Panning

Mildred W. Panning, 93, of Deshler, Ohio died Monday morning, April 27, 2015 at Oak Grove Healthcare Center, Deshler. She was the 3rd child born September 22, 1921 in Bartlow Township to the late Bahne & Alvena (Junge) Petersen. Mildred grew up on a farm and attended a rural one-room school house. She married the boy next door, Martin Panning on March 2, 1941 in her parent's home. They began to raise a family, only to be interrupted in 1942 when Martin enlisted with the U.S. Army during World War II. She followed him to Fr. Riley, Kansas and other locations before he was shipped overseas. She rejoined him in Springfield, Missouri Veterans Hospital for his treatment from wounds he received during the Battle of the Bulge. They shared over 62 years of loving marriage together before his passing on September 5, 2003. They returned home to Deshler, built their current family home and continued raising their family. Mildred was an excellent seamstress, quilter, needle and crochet. She will be remembered for her wonderful baked goods of coffee cakes, cookies and pies. She loved her family gatherings, outings, bowling, Polka dancing and gardening. She was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church, Deshler and the Deshler American Legion Post 316 Auxiliary. She is survived by 7 children, Ronald (Lou Anne) Panning; James (Jean) Panning: Larry (Karen) Panning; Diane Hastedt; Dennis (Becky) Panning; Joann (Scott) Werling; Barbara (Doug) Crow; 15 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; 3 step grandchildren; 9 step great grandchildren; and sister, Delores Johnston. She was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, son-in-law, James Hastedt; great grandchild, Matthew Carter Panning; and 5 brothers, Harold, Andrew, Paul, Marvin and Lawrence Petersen. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at St. John Lutheran Church, Deshler with Rev. James Wenger officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. on Wednesday at Rodenberger Funeral Home, Deshler and from 10-11 a.m., Thursday at the church. The family suggests memorials to St. John Lutheran Church or Heartland Hospice. www.rodenbergerfuneralhome.com

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Mildred W. Panning

September 22, 1921 - April 27, 2015