Al R. Panowicz, 93, of rural Grand Island, died, Saturday, January 13, 2018, at Good Samaritan Society-Wood River. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, January 19, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at Resurrection Catholic Church. The Rev. Joseph Kadaprayil, Rev. James C. Schmitt, and Rev. David L. Rykwalder will concelebrate the funeral mass assisted by Deacon John Willmes. Burial will be in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Military honors will be rendered by the United Veteran Honor Guard and the U.S. Navy Honor Team. Visitation will be Thursday, January 18, 2018, from 4 – 6 p.m. at the church with a vigil service at 6 p.m. Your thoughts and prayers may be given at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under Al's obituary. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. Al was born November 10, 1924, at St. Paul, Nebraska. He was the son of Stanley and Victoria (Chelewski) Panowicz. Survivors of his immediate family include his sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Patti Panowicz of Cairo, NE Jerry and Beth Panowicz of Overland Park, KS Randy and Tammy Panowicz of Grand Island, NE Daughters and son-in-law, Leanne and Rick Ely of Richmond, VA Sherry Panowicz of Grand Island, NE Sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Charlotte Harders of Grand Island, NE Ruby Harders of Wood River, NE Elaine Panowicz of Grand Island, NE Joyce and Tom Rainforth of Grand Island, NE Peggy and Bill Thomas of Wood River, NE Glenda and Arch Stittsworth of Grand Island, NE Others left to cherish his memory include his grandchildren and their spouses, Bob Panowicz, John and Sarita Panowicz, Matt and Sarah Panowicz, John and Paola Ely, David and Lauren Ely, Hannah Ely and fiancé Joey Purvis, Colin Panowicz, Shayla Panowicz, Evan Panowicz and Emily Panowicz, three great grandchildren, Rylan, Annabelle, and Emma Panowicz. Al grew up on a farm by St. Paul before moving south east of Cairo and later north of Grand Island. He helped his father with the family farm until entering the U.S. Navy on December 21, 1944, serving in Hawaii until his honorable discharge on July 10, 1946. He returned to Grand Island where he continued farming. He married Evelyn D. Harders on August 29, 1951, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. They settled and farmed east of Cairo, NE then moved and farmed west of GI until they built their new home where they farmed and continued to raise their family. Al was very proud of his new home and of the farms he developed. Al loved farming, growing corn, welding, and spending time in his shop. Al and his wife Evelyn also enjoyed polka dancing on Saturday evenings. Al continued his interest in farming till his passing. Al especially loved his family and the time spent with his grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and was a charter member of Resurrection Catholic Church where he and Evelyn were very active in many ministries. He was also a member of the Platte-Duetsche Society and the Saddle Club. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Evelyn, daughter Patty Panowicz, brother Dan Panowicz, sister Leona Albright, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Francis Harders, Arnold and Glorene Harders, Delbert Harders, Leona and Jim Rauert, and Dan Beck. Memorials are suggested to Resurrection Catholic Church. Visitation Resurrection Catholic Church Thursday, January 18, 2018 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 4110 Cannon Road Grand island, Nebraska 68803 Vigil Service at 6:00 p.m. Vigil Service Resurrection Catholic Church Thursday, January 18, 2018 6:00 PM 4110 Cannon Road Grand island, Nebraska 68803 Mass of Christian Burial Resurrection Catholic Church Friday, January 19, 2018 10:30 AM 4110 Cannon Road Grand island, Nebraska 68803