Christopher "Chris" Allan Panitzke

Christopher “Chris” Panitzke, 28, of Redwood Falls passed away and gained his wings on Sunday, September 8, 2013 at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2013 from St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Redwood Falls with burial to follow in the Redwood Falls Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday, September 13, 2013, from 4 until 8 p.m., and will continue on Saturday for one hour prior to services.

Arrangements are with Nelson-Martin Funeral Service of Redwood Falls. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelsonmartinfuneralservice.com .

Christopher Allan Panitzke, the son of Randall Scott Panitzke and Joyce Ann (Zimmerli) Panitzke, was born January 30, 1985 in Willmar. He was baptized at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Belview and confirmed at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Redwood Falls. Chris grew up in Redwood Falls and attended elementary school at St. John Lutheran School. Following his graduation from Redwood Valley High School, Chris attended the Willmar campus of Ridgewater Community College.

Chris was blessed with a daughter, Ava Mae Ochs-Panitzke, in 2004. Ava was his pride and joy; he enjoyed spending as much time with her as possible.

During his high school years, Chris was employed by Tersteegs, McDonalds, and the City of Redwood Falls. At the time of his death, he was working at Schult Homes in Redwood Falls – where he had been employed for the past eight years. Chris was also working as a personal care attendant for Divine Home Care, and farming his grandparent’s farm and raising beef cattle there.

Chris was a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. He loved the outdoors – and in particular hunting, fishing, golfing, farming, and spending time with his family, friends, and his dog “Cash.” Of most importance to Chris was being the best dad he could be to his beautiful daughter and teaching her the fundamentals of farming. He was an active “snap chatter” and someone who could fill the room with laughter and joy.

He is survived by his daughter Ava Ochs-Panitzke of Lakeville; his parents Randy and Joyce Panitzke of Redwood Falls; sisters Megan Panitzke (Ryan Robinson) of Franklin, and Shelby Panitzke at home; brother Mike Panitzke at home; grandma Darlene Zimmerli of Delhi; grandparents Leroy and Rosemary Panitzke of Belview; niece Riley Robinson of Franklin; Ava’s mother, Courtney Ochs of Lakeville; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Chris was preceded in death by his uncle Glen Zimmerli, brother Tyler Panitzke, and grandpa Al Zimmerli.

Blessed be his memory.