Peter Norman Panzegrau

1952 - 2025

Peter Norman Panzegrau passed away at the age of 73, on November 19, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Peter was a dedicated husband, loving father, brother, grandfather, Great grandpa and a hero.

Peter served in the US army ranger grade Sp-4. Peter was a small infantry leader during the war in Vietnam. He served from November 1971 to September 26, 1977. And then he was transferred to the USAR and later transferred home. He was stationed in Fort Dix, New Jersey. He had several commendations. One is the National Defense Service Medal and a sharpshooter medal for the Marksman M16. Peter was also awarded the Army Good conduct medal. He was also awarded the Vietnam Service Medal. He was born in Lörrach, Germany and immigrated to the United States when he was five. Peter graduated from Grand Haven High School. After the war, he moved to Thompsonville to Patricia’s dads farm and then they fell in love. Peter worked for Milarch Nursery for a good part of his life then he started working at Smeltzers orchard for the rest of his life. Peter also liked to cut down trees and split wood. He loved to hunt and fish. Peter also has built log cabins through Manistee and Benzie counties. Peter often spent his free time with his grandchildren and listening to Beethoven.  Peter and Patricia have been married for 50 years and they had three beautiful children together.  Norman, Amanda Pruyne, and Vickie Panzegrau. Peter was a loving grandfather to his grandchildren: Rebecca Panzegrau, Kyle Panzegrau and Grace Panzegrau, Dwayne Hale, Wyet Panzegrau, Abbey Pruyne, Bryce Pruyne, and Katelyn. 

He is survived by: his wife, Patricia Panzegrau; his kids, Norman, Amanda Pruyne, and Vickie Panzegrau; his grandchildren, Rebecca Panzegrau ,Kyle Panzegrau and Grace, Wyet  Panzegrau, Dwayne Hale, Abbey, Bryce and Katelyn McAlpine; and his great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by: his mom; his brother, Mike; and his father.

“Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another” Rest easy Soldier.  

The Terwilliger Funeral Home, in Kaleva, is in charge of arrangements. 

www.terwilligerfuneralhome.com