Thomas J. Panka, Sr., 79, of Prairie du Chien passed away Thursday, May 16, 2019 at his home in Prairie du Chien. Thomas James, the son of Thomas Henry and Helen Ann (Konichek) Panka, was born December 28, 1939 in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. He graduated from Prairie du Chien High School in 1957 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy shortly after graduation. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1957 until 1961. Tom worked for the Howe Ribstone Silo Company as well as Skyline Mobile Home Company before Gencor Bituma. He retired from Gencor Bituma after twenty-eight years.
Tom was united in marriage with Shirley Cull on February 11, 1964. She passed away on June 14, 2018. He was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. He enjoyed fishing, squirrel hunting, woodworking, gardening and playing guitar. He really enjoyed spending time with his family and playing euchre.
Tom is survived by his three children, Maria (Dan) Titlbach, Thomas James “T.J.” Panka, Jr., and John Panka, all of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin; five grandchildren, Holly (Jeremy) Pickett, Sarah (Patrick) Brown, Jordon (Jeanie) Panka, Carter Titlbach, and John Titlbach; six great grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Logan) King, Laken Panka, Elisabeth Pickett, Charlie Panka, Mack Pickett, and Adaline Brown; and one great-great grandchild, Peyton King; and one sister, Mary Schier of Mexico, Missouri.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; his parents, and his siblings, Jean Albin, Rosemary Delury, Marcella Panka, and Robert Panka.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Monday, May 20, 2019 at St. John’s Church of the Holy Family, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin with a one hour visitation from 10-11 am before Mass at the church on Monday. Rev. James Weighner will be the Celebrant.
Burial will be at 1:00 pm on Monday, May 20, 2019 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery, Eastman, Wisconsin.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin is helping the family with the arrangements.