Hans Pannek Obituary

Name: Visitation for Hans Pannek
Start: 2023-12-16T15:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-12-16T16:00:00.000Z
Location: First Baptist Atlanta

PANNEK, Hans

Hans Pannek, a longtime resident of Dunwoody/Sandy Springs, met his Lord and Savior face-to-face on Monday, December 4. Hans lived the American Dream! Born in Germany in 1937, he grew up under communist rule when the war ended, and Germany was divided. Hans fled East Germany at the age of 18 and began his 3-year training to become a Mercedes mechanic at the Mercedes factory in Stuttgart, Germany. After his training concluded, Hans lived and worked in South Africa and Puerto Rico. In 1963 he arrived in America with only $600 in his pocket and began working at the Mercedes dealership in Chattanooga. It was there that Hans met and married his wife of over 58 years, Ellen. Within one year of marriage, Hans moved to Atlanta, purchased a home, became a father, and opened his own Mercedes Benz repair shop, German Auto Sales & Service. Hans' shop, located in Chamblee, Georgia was open for over 50 years. His customers became his friends and were often guests in his home. When Hans wasn't at work repairing Mercedes, he was at home, orchestrating a multitude of home improvement projects or spending time with his family. Hans was always working with his hands, and his immense work ethic is just one of the things for which he will be remembered. Hans recognized the Lord's favor on his life. He was a proud American who cherished his freedom and his life in the USA. Hans wanted to be remembered as proof that with the Good Lord and hard work, anything is possible.

Hans is survived by his wife, Ellen; his son and daughter-in-law, Derik and Shannon Pannek; his daughter, Kirsten Pannek; his granddaughters, Rebecca, Meredith, and Jenna Pannek; his grandson, Hansen Walsh; his nephews, Axel and Timmy Pannek; as well as other dear family members in Germany.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 16, 10:00 AM at First Baptist Atlanta.

A memorial service will be held immediately following the visitation on December 16 at 11:00 AM in the chapel at First Baptist Atlanta.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Baptist Atlanta/ School Fund.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution from Dec. 10 to Dec. 15, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Hans Pannek

3 Entries

Attila Keri

August 9, 2025

I met Hans when I was 10.my family moved into a house two doors down from his house in Norcross. I mowed his lawn for 3 dollars, it was 1971. Moved away and years later in the early 80s was hired by him as a mechanic. Left his shop in 1986 to work closer to my home in Kennesaw. We always remained friends after that and I remained being an auto mechanic until I retired at 64 years old. I learned from the best Mercedes mechanic, Hans Pannek.

Hans as I will always remember him at his M-B shop at his podium ready to assist me with my mechanical problems yet was always a friend asking about my business and me and my family. A brother in the faith he trusted Jesus Christ as his savior and good s

Andy Amor

March 22, 2025

Andy Amor

March 22, 2025

Hans was like a father to me in Chamblee. He sold me a 1990 E400 that I nicknamed the Black Arrow. When behind the wheel I simply touched my foot on the pedal and shot myself straight to my target! I felt ensconced in such luxury until one day I noticed a strange smell (not the often taunted new-car aroma). Turned out a blackened banana peel had strayed itself tucked away beneath the driver’s seat. Lol.

Thus is the summation of my affection, my admiration, friendship and camaraderie for Hans. My dear Hans —-who was ever so glad to see me when whatever mechanically ailed me. This image etched in my mind of him perched behind his podium, with one elbow leaning on it for support and asking me, “how’s business?” Lingers still. Then offering ME, a regular customer, his support of my small architectural practice down the street. Yeah the banana peel in the classic M-B car was classic Hans: German engineering with humility! He held high the nobility of the uber-brand while making it approachable to those who came to him time and time again.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results