John Pannell

John W. “Jack” Pannell passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 22, 2026. John was born on February 26, 1943, in Bremerton, WA to John D. and Dorothy Walz Pannell (Thielen). After his father’s death in 1946, he moved to Mahnomen, MN with his mother and brother Paul where they resided with his Grandma Walz until Dorothy remarried.

John joined the Army in 1960 where he completed 2 tours in Germany, 1 tour in Korea, and 2 tours in Vietnam in Special Forces. He earned numerous medals and citations while serving his country. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1972.

John married Sandra (Jappe) on March 17, 1973, in First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen. John’s work as a Turbine and Measurement Technician at Viking Gas brought them to Chippewa Falls, WI in 1979. Prior to this, the couple lived in Red Lake Falls and Frazee, MN.

John was known as an expert “Mr. Fix it” and was always ready to lend a helping hand to friends, neighbors, and family. When he wasn’t tinkering around in the garage, he could be found in the yard with a dog by his side. He enjoyed gardening, visiting with neighbors, golfing, and camping. John was an avid outdoorsman and spent many hours hunting, fishing, and annual hiking trips. John and Sandra enjoyed traveling together, along with their grandson Sebastian.They went to Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Las Vegas, and Laughlin. John and Sandra took many trips to local casinos and loved traveling during the Fall to see the leaves changing. John especially enjoyed taking Sebastian on rollercoasters everywhere they traveled.

John dedicated many hours to strengthening the community through the Chippewa School’s mentoring program and as a Sunday School Teacher at Central Lutheran, which led to mission trips in Nevada. He was very involved in his son’s sports and traveled to Danny’s hockey games. He enjoyed watching his son’s and grandsons’ sporting events and coached Sebastian’s soccer team.

After his retirement in 2006, John enjoyed meeting his buddies at McDonald’s almost every morning until he was no longer able to. He loved to read, especially the Chicken Soup for the Soul collection. John enjoyed a good game of cribbage and playing cards. His beloved dog, Samantha, kept him company until she passed over the rainbow bridge. His newest dog, Nova, stayed by his side until the end.

John is survived by his wife, Sandra “Sandy” of 53 years; son, Daniel (Kristy); his grandsons: Sebastian, Dartagnan (Rudy), Payne, and Mikey Jr.; brothers: G.G. (Greg) Thielen and Marcus “Butchy” (Kim) Thielen; sisters: Mary Kay Jappe, Margaret Larson, and Joanie (Rick) Bruggeman; sister-in-law, Carol Bauer; and brother-in-law, Frank Thompson; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Pannell Thielen; father, John “Jonnie” Pannell; stepfather, Greg Thielen; son, Mike Pannell; brother, Paul Pannell; sister, Jayne Thompson; and an infant sister at birth; in-laws, Chester and Murriel Jappe; brothers-in-law, Abe Jappe and Dan Larson; sisters-in-law, Joanne Thielen and Claire LaFriniere; nephew, Gabe Thompson; daughter-in-law, Sonya Pannell; beloved companions, Snoopy and Samantha.

The funeral service will be at 7 p.m. on Monday, August 31st, 2026, at Central Lutheran Church, 28 E. Columbia St., Chippewa Falls, with a visitation beginning at 5 p.m. Pastor Aaron Sturgis will be officiating. The interment will be at 3 p.m. on Thursday, September 3rd, in Riverside Memorial Cemetery, Mahnomen, MN, with Military Honors conducted by the Mahnomen American Legion Isaacson-Bjorge Post #31.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local Humane Association in John’s memory.