Gary Leo Panke passed away on November 25, 2025, at the age of 76. He was born in Flint Hill, Missouri, the son of Charles L. and Grace M. Panke. Gary married the love of his life, Donna, on December 18, 1981, and together they shared 43 wonderful years of marriage and raised two daughters, Jamie and Jodi.
Gary grew up hunting and fishing and later became an avid golfer. He had a fondness for Stephen King novels and enjoyed many quiet hours reading. He worked for the St. Charles Post Office for 37 years and proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Military Police officer, stationed in Okinawa, Japan.
Family meant everything to Gary. He dearly loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and took great joy in spoiling them whenever he could.
Gary is survived by his wife, Donna Panke (née Hill) of Saint Peters, Missouri; his daughters, Jamie (Steve) Wright of O’Fallon, Missouri, and Jodi (David) Williams of Liberty, Missouri; his brother, Mike (Pat) Panke of Azle, Texas; sister-in-law, Carol Panke of Wentzville, Missouri; and his grandchildren Zachary (Lauren) Bell, Austin Wright, Justin (Megan) Williams, Kyle (Olivia) Claus, Elayna Bell, Annabelle Myler, Jayson Kidd, and Valerie Williams. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Leonard and Grace Marie Panke (née Boland), his brother, Randy Panke, and his sister, Cheryl Ann Panke.
Gary will be remembered for his love of family, his strong work ethic, and the many memories he created with those who loved him.
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