Alfred Panzer, Age 84

Alfred Donald Panzer, 84, of Lincoln, KS, died Saturday, April 7, 2018, in Lincoln. He was born May 5, 1933, in Kanopolis, to Alfred William and Cora Martha (Schneider) Panzer. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Jolene Yager and Marlene Brown. Left to celebrate his life include: his wife, Wilma Mae (Steinle) Panzer, of the home; son, Donald (Carol) Panzer, of Ellsworth; daughter, Vickie (William) Haun, of Wilson; grandchildren, Sydney (Melissa) Panzer, of Salina, Randi (Jacob) Haun-Hardman, of Prairie Village, Steven Haun, of Halstead; great-grandson, Avery.

Don and Wilma met on a blind date. Don would drive from Kanopolis to Dorrance to pick her up nearly every Saturday night. The two would dance the night away in Kanopolis and then he would drive her all the way home to Dorrance at the end of the night. They dated for several years when Don joined the U.S. Navy and went to boot camp. He returned on a Saturday night and surprised Wilma with a diamond ring. The next Saturday night they were married, and the Saturday after that the newlyweds left Kansas and headed by bus/train to San Diego, CA. Don served on board the U.S.S. Alvin C. Cockrell DE-366 at Naval Base San Diego. Their son, Don Ray, was born while the couple lived in California. Don was also proud to serve and protect the community of Lincoln as the Sheriff of Lincoln County for 22 years. Don Ray and Vickie remember living in the jail as children. Wilma prepared meals for the inmates. His grandchildren, Sydney, Randi, and Steven, enjoyed when he turned on the lights and sirens of his patrol car for them. Don was a country boy at heart and lover of old Western movies and country music, such as Roy Acuff, Johnny Cash, and Gene Autry. He enjoyed farming and spending his summers harvesting wheat at Fisher's farm West of Lincoln. The grandchildren enjoyed riding in the wheat truck with him to the elevator. He was a skilled woodworker and painter. He spent many hours in his garage creating beautiful lawn ornaments and toys for his grandchildren. Don was well known to capture all of the family's greatest memories with his camcorder. The family treasures all the home videos of birthdays, graduations, and holiday gatherings that he made. Playing bingo was a favorite past-time of Don and Wilma's. Don called the bingo numbers at the VFW in Lincoln for many years, while Wilma ran the concession stand. The couple traveled to play several times per week in Salina, Vesper, and Beloit. At a late age, Don developed an interest in computers and discovered the internet. He had his own Facebook profile and connected with family and friends from the Navy, all across the country, through social media. He was also proud to carry a smartphone. Don was honored to travel to Washington D.C. and tour the memorials on the 2016 Honor Flight. He was accompanied by his son-in-law, Steve Haun. Don was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be greatly missed by all those who were lucky to know him.

Visitation: 1-7:00 P.M. Monday, April 9th, at Hall Chapel, Lincoln, with family receiving friends 5-7:00 P.M.

Service: 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 10th, at Hall Chapel, Lincoln, with interment following in Lincoln City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to VFW Post #7928.

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