Daniel J. Panak

Murfreesboro - Daniel J. Panak, age 59, formerly of Kinsman, Ohio, beloved husband, father, brother, son and a stranger to no one, passed from this life Thursday, August 29, 2019. He was born on March 2, 1960 the son of Jean (Deimling) and Albert J. Panak. He will be missed by his life partner, Elizabeth M. Sodergren; his two children, Benjamin J. Panak and Sydney N. Panak; his mother, Jean Panak and brother Dave Panak both of Kinsman, Ohio; two sisters, Denise Panak of Howland, Ohio and Diane Venzera of Kansas City, Missouri; niece Elizabeth (Ben) Fahling of Grandville, Michigan and two nephews, Daniel Fahling of Chicago, Illinois and Michael Fahling of Schaumburg, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his father,Albert J. Panak of Kinsman; his grandparents, Steve and Mary Panak and Ralph and Hilda Deimling; and numerous aunts and uncles. A native of Kinsman, Ohio, Dan was a 1978 graduate of Joseph Badge High School, Kent State University, and a UCF alumnus. He was an avid Cleveland sports fan who followed the Indians, Browns, and Cavaliers with a passion. Dan cheered the Cavs on to an NBA Title in 2016, Cleveland's first championship since the Brown's last in 1964 when he was only 4. As a Murfreesboro resident, Dan became a Blue Raider convert and avid fan of MTSU sports attending basketball games where he was faithful in his attendance, sitting directly behind the MTSU bench for basketball games which enriched his son's vocabulary greatly. He kept in touch with many of the players and coaches from prior years and enjoyed hearing where they were and how they were doing. He also enjoyed MTSU football and baseball and could often be found tailgating near James Union Building. The owner of Stones River Payroll Company, Dan was a caring presence for his employees and clients. Most who knew him will remember his integrity, mischievous laugh, his kind small acts, his generosity, and his adventurous spirit. He enjoyed golf, raising chickens, top shelf bourbon, traveling, hiking, camping, and biking along the beach at Jekyll Island, Georgia. His greatest joy was his children for whom he was a constant, encouraging father. He spent many years with his son as a little league baseball coach and then as a basketball coach with the Central Christian Warriors. For his daughter, Dan bought a pregnant goat, a donkey, and two horses who helped her win many ribbons. Dan was a calm, steady anchor for his family during the storms of life and brought joy and hope whenever most needed. Memorial donations may be sent to First Shot Basketball (https://www.1stshotbasketball.net/support),1784 West Northfield Blvd. #216, Murfreesboro,TN 37129, one of Dan's favorite charities that sends at-risk youth to summer camps for academic and sports studies. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 11:00AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 6397 State Route 87, Kinsman, Ohio, with Fr. Michael A. Mikstay, CAPT. CHC USN Ret. officiating. Calling hours will be held on Oct. 12th from 10:00AM until the time of services. Fellowship and food will follow in the church basement. Honor Dan by proudly wearing your Buckeyes, Indians, Browns or Kent State attire.

Service Information

Visitation

Saturday, October 12 2019
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

St. Patrick's Catholic Church
6397 St. Rt. 87
Kinsman OH 44428

Service

Saturday, October 12 2019
11:00 AM

St. Patrick's Catholic Church
6397 St. Rt. 87
Kinsman OH 44428