Ronald M. Panek

Ronald Michael Panek died at the age of 76 on Thursday April 9, 2015, in Naperville Illinois, surrounded by his children. Ron was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Theresa. He is survived by his children, Michelle, Kimberly, and Donald, Donald's wife Jer Ri, as well as his grandchildren Adam, Abigail, Brandon, Carly and Drake. Born to Joseph and Josephine Panek in 1938, he is survived by his sister Nettie and brother Joey. He attended St. Aloysius grade school and DePaul Academy. After graduation he joined the National Guard then married his high school sweetheart Theresa (Ruhnke) in 1958. Ron lived in Chicago, Berwyn and Naperville. He lived an accomplished life. He often spoke of his first job at "the gas station" with his uncle, who was also his best friend, Bennie. At Southern Bell he overcame his fear of heights. He worked at Alden Catalog Company then Spiegel Catalog company as a buyer until he retired in 1993 to pursue his dream of having his own business. He started IDMSI Marketing where he created and patented sports banks. Ron loved fishing, whether with his buddies in Canada or with his family behind the Adler Planetarium. This usually provided enough fish to host an occasional fish fry for friends and neighbors. Ron loved traveling and frequently visited countries overseas as a buyer. He always said he was fortunate to have lived like a millionaire during his career. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and father-in-law who instilled great family values. He cherished a second chance at fatherhood as he helped raise his oldest grandson, Adam. He will be greatly missed by his entire family. Visitation will be Thursday, April 16, 2015 from 5 to 9pm at Marsh Funeral Home. A Memorial mass will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, April 17, 2015 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6401 Gages Lake Rd. Gurnee, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, www.donate.heart.org.