Photo courtesy of Deck Hanneman Funeral Home
Bowling Green, Ohio
Jun 5, 1943 – Apr 18, 2017 (Age 73)
Dr. Jaak Panksepp, 73, of Bowling Green, Ohio, passed away, Tuesday, April 18, 2017 in Bowling Green, Ohio, surrounded by his loving family.
Dr. Panksepp was born on June 5, 1943 in Tartu, Estonia to the late Rudolph and Salme (Leet) Panksepp. He married Anesa Miller in 1991 and she survives him in Bowling Green.
Dr. Panksepp was a Professor for the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University in the Veterinary and Comparative Anatomy and Pharmacology and Physiology Department. Prior to his work at Washington State University, Dr. Panksepp taught at Bowling Green State University where he was a Neuroscientist in the Psychology Department retiring in 1998. During his career at BGSU, Dr. Panksepp did extensive research and helped develop the still controversial opioid-antagonist therapy for autistic children along with pursuing new therapies for the treatment of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD), and depression. Dr. Panksepp also served as an Adjunct Professor for the Medical College of Ohio (UTMC). His most recent research was focused on the brain mechanisms of emotion experience. Dr. Panksepp traveled all over the world where he would perform lectures on his research. He was very proud and honored when he received the Order of the White Star, which was personally given to him by the President of Estonia. Dr. Panksepp truly loved his work and was devoted to his research, he also loved to research music in his spare time, however, his family was his true pride and joy.
Dr. Panksepp is survived by his wife: Anesa; a son: Jules Panksepp, of Portland, Oregon; step-daughters: Antonia Pogacar, of Washington DC; Ruth (Michal) Pogacar-Kouril, of Cincinnati, Ohio; a step-grandson: Josefa Kouril, along with a host of loving relatives and colleagues. Along with his parents, Dr. Panksepp was preceded in death by a daughter: Tiina Panksepp and a brother: Jaan Panksepp.
A Memorial Service for Dr. Panksepp will be held on Friday, April 21, 2017 at 4:00 PM in Prout Chapel located on the campus of Bowling Green State University. Arrangements have been entrusted with the DECK-HANNEMAN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 1460 W. Wooster Street/P.O. Box 648, Bowling Green, Ohio 43402. Tele: 419-352-2171.
Memorial Contributions in Dr. Panksepp’s honor may be gifted to the J.P. Scott Center for Neuroscience c/o the Bowling Green State University Foundation.
Online Condolences as well as fond memories may be left for the Panksepp family by visiting www.hannemanfh.com
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There is nothing new to say except that we are missing his inspiring , creative and fearless approach to the world.
Rainer Krause Saarbrücken
Rainer Krause
April 13, 2020 | Saarbrücken 66121 Germany | Coworker
We were very close in thinking and working. He was our guest in Heidelberg and Saarbrücken and we published some of his outstandig ideas in German. I am still working just now on a book chapter in which i am heavily relying on him. Besides that he was a very noble brave man with a lot of humor . Even the rats were laughing. We miss him.
Rainer Krause
April 12, 2019 | Saarbrücken | Coworker
Second Message
Just that I miss Getting Jaak's emails.
Jaak Viirland.
November 30, 2017
This is a big loss to science , to affective neuroscience and psychology -- Jaak Panksepp with live through his work though. I corresponded with him as a student a few times and he was always very generous in sharing his views and wisdom.
Jag Sungkur
November 25, 2017 | Acquaintance
Dear Family, Friends & Colleagues,
A year and a half ago, knowing my great interest in the science of emotions in humans and other animals, a friend recommended Jaak Panksepp's 'Archaeology of Mind'. It turned out to be one of those rare, few, life-changing books and has had the most tremendous impact on me, both objectively and subjectively, intellectually and personally. In learning of Jaak's death I feel personally bereaved as though I have lost a wise, funny, treasured friend.
Lois Pryce
October 03, 2017 | Bristol
I just an hour ago discovered Jaak Panksepp had died this April 18. His pioneering work on Affective Neuroscience is a great gift to Humanity, especially for me as it relates to LOSS expressed as Panic and Grief.
He was a Free Friend and we communicated by email. He was the only public person to endorse my LOSS LINKS project which has a Facebook page. Also, he was empathetic to my LOSS challenges, helping me to understand what psychotropics might be of help in better coping with...
Jack Carney
July 01, 2017 | Auckland, New Zealand | Friend
I just an hour ago discovered Jaak Panksepp had died this April 18. His pioneering work on Affective Neuroscience is a great gift to Humanity, especially for me as it relates to LOSS expressed as Panic and Grief.
He was a Free Friend and we communicated by email. He was the only public person to endorse my LOSS LINKS project which has a Facebook page. Also, he was empathetic to my LOSS challenges, helping me to understand what psychotropics might be of help in better coping with my...
Jack Carney
July 01, 2017 | Auckland, NZ
I love Jaak Panksepp's vital work. I met him recently when he spoke at Cornell University. I told him I was working on a book about the social mind-brain and Jane Austen. He told me that his wife loves Austen and I asked if she would like to read the book. He said yes, and I took his address, which I've unfortunately misplaced. Despite his renown and importance, Jaak had time to give an unknown author and to ask about my project. I'm so sorry he has passed away. My condolences to the family.
Wendy Jones
June 06, 2017 | Ithaca, NY
Jaak Panksepp.
My email friend, no wonder he did not respond to my emails lately.
We were born in the same town in Estonia.
Jaak was born 3 years after me.Bless Him!!!
May 26, 2017
