Anthony Panek

Anthony Panek

September 23, 1955 - May 18, 2022

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Obituary

Anthony “Tony” William Panek, 66, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at his home in Madison, Wisconsin.

Throughout his life he loved to discuss and argue about politics, world events, the Cubs, the Packers, Apple computers, Badger football, and anything Sci-fi. When it came to small talk and other topics, he was quiet, but attentive.

During his early years when he wasn’t building plastic model kits, he was building Estes rockets and launching them in fields with interesting results. As an adult, he enjoyed trying new restaurants on Madison’s State Street with friends, attending Badger football games with cousins, and cajoling friends and relatives to join him in viewing meteor showers or any other important astronomical event with his telescope.

In his later years, Tony spent more time at home and socialized on Facebook. He also played online fantasy games with the global gaming community for fun, but all the while wishing for a more robust Apple computer.

Tony loved animals large and small. For most of his life he had at least one pet cat, but it was in his later years that these “furballs”, as he referred to them, provided such great companionship. There was no doubt that a bond existed between him and his rescue and stray cats. Both showed their mutual love through concern and understanding for each other.

He was born on September 23, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, to parents William and Loretta (Weiland) Panek. Tony graduated from Holy Trinity Grammar School and Gordon Technical High School. He went on to receive an undergraduate degree in Astronomy/History of Science at University of Wisconsin-Madison. He remained in Madison for the remainder of his life. Tony worked for several years at UW Hospital and Clinics where he performed research support activities such as data reporting and computer support.

He is survived by many cousins and special friends.

A memorial service to honor his spirit will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Dane County Humane Society. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

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JM
John Moyer
Other •
Tony and I were college friends and shared living space for several years in Madison. While we didnt always see eye-to-eye, we shared an appreciation for science, history, and the absurdity of life via Kurt Vonnegut novels. In many ways, he was much smarter than me, and he was more kind while I found kindness much harder to practice. He would always call me Blue which was the nickname I picked up freshman year because there were 9 guys on our dorm floor named John; John Pink Floyd, John Brown, John Green, John Meek, etc. Tony was not much of a risk taker, whereas I tended to be a little more so, in my brave stupidity. He was the better student, though I think we both saw ourselves as outsiders he being from Chicago & me from far away Pittsburgh. Ill always remember our college years as flying by the seat of our pants hoping to make a soft landing somewhere on the planet. Be free, my friend. So it goes.
MJ
Michaelene Jordan
Other •
Tony was my first cousin. I remember launching rockets with him when I was younger. The fun part was the launch; then you had the challenge of finding the rocket's landing place. I had only occasional contact with him, but I will miss that. He was always kind to me even though I was a much younger girl, he still was willing to share his rockets and show me things in the telescope. Tony, I wish you a higher place on the wheel in your next incarnation. I will miss you, Cuz.
JA
Jean Hoffman Anuta
Other •
So sad to hear of Tony's passing. I knew him from his days at Madison when I attended pharmacy school. RIP Tony. Jean Hoffman Anuta

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