Denise Margaret Panknin

Denise Panknin

July 5, 1967 – July 11, 2026

With profound sadness and unwavering love, we announce the passing of Denise Panknin, on July 11, 2026, at the age of 59, following a courageous fourteen-month battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

Denise was the beloved wife of William "Bill" Panknin, with whom she shared thirty-one years of marriage filled with unwavering devotion, friendship, laughter, and unconditional love. Together they built a home centered on family, kindness, and love. To Bill, she was not only his wife, but also his best friend, greatest blessing, and the love of his life.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Bill Panknin; her sons, Radyn (Hannah) Serres and Tyler (Aly) Serres; her stepdaughters, Michelle (Jani) and Kristiina; her cherished grandchildren, Reegan, Ritchie, June, Finnegan, Julia, Alex, Patrick, Sebastian, Maya, Nicky, and Luca; her parents, Dennis and Margaret Brown; brothers, John and Colby Brown; and many extended family members, lifelong friends, and dear friends, and all whose lives were blessed by knowing her.

Denise was preceded in death by her brother, Ritchie Brown, and her beloved niece, Maggie Brown.

Family was Denise's greatest joy and highest calling. She lovingly raised her two sons, Radyn and Tyler, and embraced Michelle and Kristiina as her own, helping raise them with the same love, encouragement, and guidance that defined her life. She welcomed Hannah, Aly, and Jani into the family with open arms, loving them as her own children.

Her eleven grandchildren were among the greatest blessings of her life. Whether she was attending their activities, celebrating milestones, sharing stories, playing games, or simply spending time together, Denise made each grandchild feel uniquely treasured. To them, she was "Grandma Niecy," whose hugs, laughter, encouragement, and unconditional love will remain cherished memories forever.

A woman of deep Christian faith, Denise lived each day with grace, hope, compassion, and generosity. Her faith guided every aspect of her life and gave her remarkable strength, especially during her illness. Even as she endured countless hospital stays, treatments, setbacks, and uncertainty, she met each day with courage, dignity, gratitude, and concern for others. She never allowed her illness to define her, choosing instead to continue loving and encouraging everyone around her.

Denise found joy in life's simple blessings. She loved spending time with family and friends, traveling, attending concerts, listening to music, reading, playing games, and capturing life's special moments through photographs. She delighted in creating family traditions, carefully selecting thoughtful Christmas gifts, sending cards to loved ones near and far, and preserving memories that would be treasured for generations.

Those who knew Denise will remember her beautiful smile, quick wit, intelligence, kindness, generosity, and loving spirit. She possessed an extraordinary ability to make every person feel seen, valued, and deeply loved. She welcomed others without judgment, never caring whether someone was related by blood. If Denise loved you, you were family.

Her greatest legacy is the love she poured into others. She lived for her husband, children, grandchildren, family, and friends. Through her example of faith, compassion, patience, courage, and unconditional love, she shaped lives and strengthened families. Those who knew her often remarked that they never heard anyone speak an unkind word about Denise—a testament to the genuine goodness she carried wherever she went.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, physicians, and staff of the 3000 Oncology Unit at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and University of Minnesota Bone Marrow Transplant Unit for the extraordinary compassion, dignity, professionalism, and loving care they provided throughout Denise's illness. Their kindness brought comfort during life's most difficult season and will never be forgotten.

Although Denise's passing leaves an immeasurable void, her love remains alive in the hearts of those she cherished. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, family, and friends; in the traditions she created; in the memories she preserved; and in the countless lives she touched through her steadfast faith and selfless love.

A Celebration of Life honoring Denise will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Hidden Greens Golf Course in Hastings, Minnesota. Family and friends are invited to gather to share memories, celebrate Denise's remarkable life, and honor the love she so generously gave to everyone around her. In lieu of flowers we are wishing for donations to be made to the Richard M. Schulze Family Hope Lodge in Minneapolis, MN - American Cancer Society.

Though she will be deeply missed every day, Denise's family finds peace in knowing she is now healed, embraced by her Savior, and reunited with loved ones who have gone before her. Her life was a beautiful reflection of God's love, and her memory will forever remain a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing her.