Robert Panzer

1944 - 2026

Feb 10, 1944 - Mar 17, 2026

Robert Panzer, of Lakeville, MN died on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Highview Hills.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in St. James. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Robert was born on February 10, 1944, in St. James, MN to his late parents Martin Panzer and Phyllis (Ludvigson) Panzer. He attended primary and secondary schools in St. James. Robert attended and graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota and served as a medic in the Army Reserve. He was married in September 1971, to his former wife Susan. He and Susan had two children, Anne Christine, born 1972, and Thomas Theodore, born 1975.

Robert and his family lived in Pine Island, MN for a short time before moving to Zumbrota, MN, to the home where Susan still lives today. Robert and Susan were both teachers in the Zumbrota and Zumbrota-Mazeppa school districts for their entire professional careers, Robert's career spanning 1966-1996. He taught several different classes in the social studies and psychology fields.

He was very interested in both American history and world history and was well-read in both subjects. He had a passion for many of the Minnesota professional and collegiate sports teams, namely the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings and very much enjoyed playing fantasy football in his retirement years. He also enjoyed spending time at the family cabin located near Nevis, MN and resided in that area for several of his retirement years. Robert's other passions included the Beatles, ABBA, the Beegees, and other 1960's and 1970's musical acts, hunting for agates, and fishing.

Robert is survived by his former wife, Susan (Simmons) Panzer and their daughter, Anne (Christenson) and her husband, Chris Christenson. He is also survived by their son, Thomas and his wife, Becky (Holmstadt). He is survived by his grandchildren, Anne's son, Aidan Chistopher and Tom's sons, Cole David and Simon Thomas and daughter, Maya Kayne. In addition to his children and grandchildren, Robert is also survived by his brother, Mike Panzer and his family and his sister, Kathy (Stauffer) and her family.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Phyllis and his brother, John Panzer. John Panzer's wife, Donna and daughter, Sarah both survive.