Dr. Wayne Paul Panning, 83, died peacefully at his Belle Plaine home on February 16, 2020. Born July 16, 1936, to Rev. Paul and Viola (Hoffman) Panning, the ministry brought their family from Nebraska to Minnesota with fond childhood memories of the Hamburg and Carver communities.
Wayne graduated from Concordia Academy High School, attended Concordia College, St. Paul, and graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, in 1958. Wayne wed Arlys Borwege, the “Love of His Life,” at Trinity Lutheran Church in Medford on August 7, 1960. They made their first home in Minneapolis as Wayne completed his medical degree at the University of Minnesota. Upon completing his internship in Duluth, Wayne joined the U.S. Navy and served as a ship doctor for two years, based in Norfolk, Virginia.
In 1970, Wayne started a radiology solo practice in Marshall, Minnesota, serving hospitals in Marshall, Pipestone, Luverne, Slayton, Adrian, Canby, Tyler, Ivanhoe, Hendricks, Sioux Falls and St. Peter until retirement in 2012. He enjoyed driving the country roads, and as needed, braved winter weather to get to his patients. For many years, he was the only radiologist in southwest Minnesota and drove over 130,000 miles a year between hospitals. He always appreciated working alongside the dedicated rural hospital staff.
The technological advancements over 40 years in radiology were intriguing. In 1995 he alerted the CDC to the Legionella outbreak in Luverne when chest X-rays of pneumonia patients indicated the deadly infection. Each patient case was important as he applied his investigative radiology skills for diagnoses.
Wayne and Arlys raised champion Southdown Sheep and enjoyed traveling to competitions across the nation. His retirement years as a farmer working outside with animals and the land were some of the best. Wayne enjoyed traveling, duck and pheasant hunting, fishing, stock car races, county and state fairs, bingo at Andy’s and a good piece of pie.
Wayne and Arlys placed their children and grandchildren first in their lives – participating fully in their endeavors. To his granddaughters, “Papa Wayne” was the best and they loved him immensely. His family shared a life of adventure and was never dull.
Wayne is survived by his wife and best friend, Arlys (Borwege) Panning; son, Scott (Carolyn) Panning, Blaine, granddaughters Alexandria and Kayla; daughter, Christine (Kirk Hawk) Panning, Belle Plaine, granddaughter Kendra; sister Grace (Roger) Marquis, Ellicott City, Maryland; sisters-in-law Janet Borwege and Marsha Borwege, Medford, and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held in the spring. Blessed be his memory.
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