William Panzer

William Ervin Panzer was born May 2, 1935 in South Branch the son of William Augusta (Mueller) Panzer. He was baptized in South Branch on May 19, 1935 by Rev. Rolf. Bill attended rural school in South Branch and graduated from St. James High School in 1953. He served in the Navy for 2 years and National Guard 7 years. He married Elaine Wright at First Lutheran Church in St. James on Sept. 13, 1958 and they made their home in St. James. Bill worked for Ulbergs Department Store, St. James Municipal Liquor Store manager for 12 years, a hairdresser for 6 years, and 22 years as a maintenance engineer for the State of Minnesota at the St. James Armory before retiring in 2000 he also drove school bus for 10+ years. After his retirement he worked at Paul's Food Pride and McDonalds in St. James. Bill was president of AAL for several years, was a member of the American Legion, and member of First Lutheran Church while in St. James. After moving to Albert Lea in 2002 Bill worked at Wal-Mart and A-plus Demonstrations, joined First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea and was active in the RSVP program. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, brother Harold and sister Darlene. He is survived by his wife Elaine Panzer of Albert Lea, children Debra (Rick) Ruberg of Rushford, Doreen (Steven) Wood of St. Cloud, Danny (Sandra) Panzer of Albert Lea, 9 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, sister Irene (Zig) Clow of St. James, and sister-in-law Vivian Panzer of Brainerd.