Joan Bernice Panyrek's Obituary
Mrs. Joan B. Panyrek, age 100, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 5, 2022 at her home in Muskegon. She was born in Muskegon on August 28, 1921, the youngest of eight children of Anton and Mary (Soplinska) Gortat. She was a lifelong member of St. Michael’s Church. Joan was blessed with many friends from church and social activities and enjoyed life to the fullest. She loved spending time with family and friends and enjoyed playing cards, especially cribbage and pinochle. Joan was a frequent casino visitor and was an active bowler and golfer until her health prohibited. Joan married Edward Panyrek in 1964 and together they promoted polka music in Muskegon as radio disc jockeys for over 30 years. They initiated the Seaway Polka Fest and polka events throughout the city. A lifetime member and past local officer of Polish Falcons of America, Joan received their Gold Legion of Honor award. Joan was proud of her Polish heritage and celebrated it whenever possible with traditional food, music, singing and dancing. She was employed for over 40 years at Muskegon Paper Box, advancing from positions in the plant, office, and lastly to Purchasing Manager. Joan is survived by her daughter, Patricia Fowler; stepdaughter, Patricia Spann; daughter-in-law, Debbie Calvin; grandchildren, Kevin (Jill) Fethke, Lori (Paolo) Caporicci, and Billy (Jenny) Spann; great-grandchildren, Aaron, Adam, Kaesen, Samantha, and Samuel; and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward; son, Thomas Cwynar; grandsons, Dale and Jay Fethke; brothers, Vincent, Edward, and Thomas Gortat; sisters, Regina Gortat, Cecelia Sohasky, Sabina Sanders, and Gertrude Rackiewicz; stepson-in-law, William Spann; and former husband, John Cwynar. VISITATION will be held from 5-7 PM Sunday, August 14, 2022 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be held 11:00 AM Monday, August 15, 2022 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church (1716 6th St., Muskegon, MI 49441) with Fr. Charles D. Hall presiding. Joan’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Sanctuary of the Oaks and Harbor Hospice for their wonderful loving care. MEMORIALS in memory of Joan may be directed to the Harbor Hospice Foundation or St. Michael’s Church. You may sign her online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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