Loraine Paula Panowicz

1960 - 2025

Loraine Paula (Heil) Panowicz

May 21, 1960 - November 18, 2025

Loraine Paula (Heil) Panowicz, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother was called home to her eternal rest on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the age of 65. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on the family farm near Rockville, Nebraska.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 24, 2025, at St. Josaphat's Catholic Church in Loup City, Nebraska. Father Richard Piontkowski will celebrate the mass. Burial will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, November 23rd at St. Josaphat's Catholic Church with a Rosary to follow at 7 p.m. Memorials are suggested for a scholarship for the Loup City School or to the Loup City Library. In honor of Loraine, the family has requested casual dress for her services. Higgins Funeral Home in Loup City is in charge of arrangements. Condolences for Loraine's family can be left at higginsfuneralhomelc.com.

Loraine was born on May 21, 1960, to John Leo Heil Sr. and Stella Mae (Lighthill) Heil in Loup City, Nebraska. Loraine was the oldest child of six children. She attended Austin's one room country school until the 8th grade. She graduated high school in Loup City in 1978.

On July 8, 1978, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Richard W. Panowicz. They were blessed with 47 years of marriage. To their union 3 children were born. Christina Marie, Rebecca Ann, and Lorissa Lee. They lived and milked cows on a farm in Rockville until moving to the family's farm between Rockville and Loup City in 1989.

Loraine was an avid community supporter. She was blessed as a homemaker until she went to work for Kings Variety. She started with Sherman County Bank in 1998 and continued her employment with Heritage Bank. She had 27 years of service in the banking industry. She served on the school board for 25 years and was a great supporter of the Loup City schools. Among her successes, she enjoyed filling her time as a religious director, girl scout leader, Austin Cemetery board member, book club member and many more volunteer activities. In 1986, Loraine was instrumental in designing the Rockville Centennial logo for the village's 100-year celebration. One of her fondest hobbies was being a part of the Threads of Time Quilt club. Here she enjoyed making beautiful quilts that were designed for family and friends. A big accomplishment was receiving second place at the Nebraska State Fair. Loraine has been honored through the years with many service awards. One of Loraine's biggest honors is being called Grandma.

She is survived by her husband, Richard, of Rockville, NE; daughters, Christina Panowicz of Loup City, NE; Rebecca (Justin) Biltoft of Rockville, NE, and their stepdaughter, Lacy Biltoft of Kearney NE; Lorissa (Robert) Auman and their sons, Hoyt, Hayes and Huxtyn of McCool Junction, NE; her brothers and sisters, John (Linda) Heil, Karla (Monte) Stelk, Jason Heil, and Billynda Jo Spilinek (Jim Beeler); brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Raymond (Mary) Panowicz, Janice (Francis) Krolikowski, Rodney (Connie) Panowicz, Ronald (Charlene) Panowicz, Janel (Sam) Kraning, Russell (Diane) Panowicz, Joan (Roy) Clifton, Jean Wilson, and Randall Panowicz (Libby Butler); many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and numerous four-legged friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, John Heil Sr (Betty); mother, Stella Reimers (Ron); sister, Jeri Lyn Heil; brothers-in-law, Robert Wysocki, Robert Panowicz, and Bryan Wilson; and sister-in-law, Diane Panowicz.