Donna G. Panek

Donna G. Panek, 80, of Alpena passed away Sunday, November 9, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Donna was born on March 16, 1945, in Detroit. She married Jack Panek in 1967 and together they raised four children. Donna was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Big Rapids where she sang joyfully in the choir and shared her faith through music.
Donna had a kind and generous heart. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were her greatest joy. Whether baking something sweet, singing an old song, or telling stories that made everyone laugh, she had a way of making people feel at home and loved.
Surviving are her three children, Christina (David) Vallette, Jack (Trina) Panek Jr., Amy (Andrew) Panek-Lindahl; daughter-in-law, Teresa Panek; nine grandchildren; Christopher (Laura) Vallette, Autumn Vallette, Cheyenne (Tyler) Panek-Vogel, Lexi Panek, Chelsea Panek, Morgan (Trevor) Begeman, Nicholas (Jessica) Eldred, Taylor (Corey) Klein, Benjamin Bissell; and 13 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, James (Maria) Holloway; several nieces and nephews, including Gary Verrette and Wendy Carr.
Donna was preceded in death by her beloved son, James Panek; her parents, Audrey and Harold Holloway; her siblings, Richard Hollway and Pamela Verrette.
Her family finds comfort in knowing she is reunited with those she loved who went before her, and that her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Cremation arrangements have been handled by the Bannan Funeral Home.