Ione J. Panzer

Ione J. Panzer, 84, would like you all to know that her work here is done. She received a call to be with her Heavenly Father. With her family’s full support, she peacefully passed into the Father’s arms on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at ManorCare in Fond du Lac. Ione was born in Brownsville on December 19, 1932 to Ezra and Alma (Nitschke) Alexander. She was baptized into Christ on January 15th, 1933, and on April 14th, 1946, she had a Confirmation of her faith.



Ione’s faith was strong. She was an active member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Oakfield and would often provide beautiful flower arrangements for church services, and other occasions. No matter what, she never said “no,” and always used her God given talents to help others.

In 1945 at the tender age of 13 she met her future husband, John Panzer, whom she would marry on June 17, 1961 at St. Luke’s. She and John built a home with beautiful gardens where they raised their three children in the community where she was born.



Ione was passionate about teaching, and upon graduating from Mayville High School in 1950, she went to Dodge County Teachers College. She graduated from there in 1952 and continued her education at the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, graduating in 1960 with a B.S. in Elementary Education.



She and John grew up farming, enjoyed working the land and transitioned to a modest couple of acres to garden. Ione loved to can and freeze her “garden goodies,” sharing her bounty with anyone in need. She was generous like that, also wanting to help others in need or less fortunate. Her parents, Ezra and Alma; her brother, Earl; and her, sister Hope, preceded her in death. Ione is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, John. In addition, her 3 children will sadly miss her, Joy (Dave) Young of Stoughton, Grace (Paul) Rommelfanger of Beaver Dam and Tim of Brownsville. Ione adored her four beautiful grandchildren who will miss her immensely, Kristina (Vince), Kylie (Cody), Tony and Carter.



Visitation for Ione will be held from 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM, Saturday, January 28, 2017 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 245 S. 2nd St. in Oakfield. The memorial service will follow the visitation at 11:30 AM with the Rev. Christopher Goelzer officiating. Cremation has taken place.



In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Luke’s Church - Oakfield or Winnebago Lutheran Academy are appreciated.



We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the entire Health Care professional staff at ManorCare and Heartland Hospice. You truly went above and beyond caring for Ione over the past few years and especially in her final days of life. Your passion for helping people was apparent in making Ione’s journey to the Heavenly Kingdom peaceful as you displayed over and over again your respect for life and her journey into death. Thank you!