JOHN PANZER

1960 - 2025

JOHN SCOTT PANZER John Scott Panzer, 64, beloved husband, father, and brother, died peacefully in Mankato on Thursday, January 9, 2025, surrounded by his family. Visitation was Tuesday, January 14, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Sturm Funeral Home in St. James and continued on Wednesday from 10 until 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in St. James. Funeral service was held at First Lutheran Church in St. James on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 11 a.m. Burial was at Mount Hope Cemetery in St. James. Arrangements were with Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com. John was born November 2, 1960, to Martin and Phyllis (Ludvigson) Panzer at Watonwan County Hospital. He attended St. James schools where he received his diploma, participated in drama, football, tennis, and music. John was a jack-of-all-trades. He met his wife Donna while they both worked at Perkins in Mankato. He received his BA degree from Minnesota State Mankato, Magna Cum Laude. After that, he spent time working at Home Magazine, Gustavus Adolphus College, LJP Enterprise, and CHS INC. John enjoyed spending time with family, traveling, riding his motorcycle, and researching family genealogy. A lifelong Minnesota sports fan, John had a special love for the Vikings and Wild. He loved all animals, especially horses. A cowboy at heart. A kind and gentle soul, John always put others before himself. He was a volunteer for State Services for the Blind, reading local news for the blind for over 20 years. He was an active contributor to Find a Grave, volunteering as a photographer at local cemeteries to help loved ones locate family gravestones. John is survived by his wife, Donna; daughter, Sara (Adam) Gustafson; brothers, Bob and Mike (Marilyn) Panzer; sister, Kathy (Stuart) Stauffer; sister-in-law, Debra Bell; brothers-in-law, James (Peg) Bell and Tom Bell; special aunt and godmother, Ardelle Panzer; and many nieces and nephews that meant the world to him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Phyllis (Ludvigson) Panzer; sister-in-law, Bernadine Kellogg; and brother-in-law, Alvin Bell. A kind, compassionate, humble, and caring man, John will be missed by many.