Wilbert “Bert” Wyman Panning, age 73, of Green Isle, passed away at the 212 Medical Center in Chaska on Thursday, May 17.
Memorial services were held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Green Isle at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 22. Pastor Eric Rapp officiated. The organist was Karin Stoeckman.
Congregational hymns were “Amazing Grace,” “Just As I Am,” “How Great Thou Art” and “Peace Like A River.”
Urn bearers were Matt Panning and Nate Panning.
An honorary urn bearer was Lance Panning.
Wilbert “Bert” Wyman Panning was born in Waconia on Nov. 21, 1944. He was the son of Wilbert and Myrtle (Schwirtz) Panning. Wilbert was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth both at Zion Lutheran Church in rural Green Isle. He received his education through Grade 8 at Zion Lutheran Church School in Green Isle Township and then graduated from the Arlington-Green Isle High School.  Bert also took some business classes after high school.   
On Sept. 25, 1964, Bert was united in marriage to Harriet Laabs at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Arlington.  He was born and raised in Green Isle.  Bert and Harriet made their home in Cologne where they raised their boys. They moved back to Green Isle and lived there for several years before moving back to Chaska just over one month ago. Their marriage was blessed with three sons, Matt, Nate and Lance.  Bert and Harriet shared over 53 years of marriage.
Bert worked as a bread delivery man and built silos when he was first married.  He then worked for 16 years at Eaton Corporation previously known as Char-Lynn Corporation. Bert then worked as a manager at Pure Humidifier Company in Chaska for several years.  He then became the part-time city clerk of Green Isle enjoying this position for a few years until March 2018 when it was decided they would move to Chaska.  Bert was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Green Isle.  He was also a past member of the school board for Central High School in Norwood Young America.
Bert enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and bowling and also was a very good softball player in his day. He loved coaching his children’s little league games and umpiring softball games.  He especially loved the outdoors and was content sitting on his deck or by the fire. Bert especially enjoyed spending time with friends and family and adored his grandsons and granddaughter.
Bert is survived by his wife, Harriet Panning of Chaska; sons, Matt (Lori) Panning of Chaska, and Nate Panning of Wilmington, N.C.; grandchildren, Jack, Drew, Kaleb and Gracie; sister, Lynn (Randy) Wehnert of Cologne; sister-in-law, Karen (Chuck) Hanson  of Brainerd; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and many friends.
Bert is preceded in death by his parents, Wilbert and Myrtle Panning; son, Lance Panning; and brother, Lowell Panning.  
Arrangements by the Paul-McBride Funeral Chapel in Norwood Young America. Online Obituaries and Guest Book available at www.mcbridechapel.com. Please click on Obituaries/Guest Book.