Mary Panke, 87

Mary Helen Fiebig Panke, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, educator and friend, passed away unexpectedly at home May 13, 2026, at the age of 87.

Mary was born Sept. 30, 1938, in La Crosse, Wis., to Roger and Evelyn Fiebig. She grew up in La Crosse, where she met the love of her life, Ronald K. Panke. High school sweethearts and prom king and queen, Mary and Ron built a lifelong partnership grounded in love, family and shared adventure. They were married in 1961 and remained devoted to one another for over six decades.

Mary attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and began her career as an educator, teaching in Madison, Wis., and later in Fort Collins, Colo. Following her teaching years, she focused on raising four children and becoming a businesswoman.

In the late 1960s, Mary and Ron followed their love of the mountains west to the Silver Valley of Idaho, where Ron practiced as a family physician/surgeon in Kellogg. Together, they purchased Mogey’s Distributing, a beer and wine distributorship that Mary managed and made a strong presence in the community. Mary also served on the Wallace School Board for many years. She enjoyed conversation, laughter and bringing people together — often over a good beer.

Mary lived life on her own terms and was known for her strong will, independence and unmistakable personality. A proud Midwesterner at heart, she never lost her love for the Wisconsin Badgers, the Green Bay Packers and, of course, a good plate of cheese curds. She was an avid skier and made sure her children — and later her grandchildren — developed a love for the mountains. Skiing became a lasting family tradition and one of her enduring legacies. She also enjoyed swimming, playing tennis and reading.

Mary was a Christian, and her faith was an important part of her life.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald K. Panke, M.D.; her children, Erik Panke (Melissa), Sigurd Panke, Liesl Panke and Dr. Rolf Panke (Heather); and her grandchildren, Tristan Panke (Katie), Thorin Panke, Kaysa Panke and Kristóf Panke.

Mary will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, her direct nature and her ability to leave a lasting impression on those she met. She will be missed, and her legacy lives on in the traditions she passed down and the family she helped shape.

A small gathering of family and friends will be held at a future date, likely in Wallace — a fitting place to raise a glass in her honor, just as she would have wanted.