Loraine Paula (Heil) Panowicz, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother was called home to her eternal rest on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at the age of sixty- five.

Loraine passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on the family farm near Rockville.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, November 24, 2025 at St. Josaphat’s Catholic Church in Loup City. Father Richard Piontkowski celebrated the Mass.

Lectors included Tenley Panowicz and Emma Ries.

Eucharistic ministers were Whiteney Kaminski and Mike Kaminski.

Hoyt Auman, Hayes Auman, Huxtyn Auman, and Teyla Panowicz were the gift bearers.

Amy Kowalski and Julie Dush were the musicians.

Pallbearers included Liam Heil, Luke Heil, James Heil, Trynden Panowicz, Thomas Spilinek, and Sean Wysocki.

Loraine’s grandsons and nieces and nephews were the honorary bearers.

Burial followed at the Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City.

Memorials are suggested for a scholarship for the Loup City School or to the Loup City Library.

Higgins Funeral Home in Loup City is in charge of arrangements. Condolences for Loraine’s family can be left at higginsfuneralhomelc. com.

Loraine was born on May 21, 1960, to John Leo Heil Sr. and Stella Mae (Lighthill) Heil in Loup City. Loraine was the oldest child of six children. She attended Austin’s one room country school until the eighth grade. She graduated high school in Loup City in 1978.

On July 8, 1978 Loraine was united in marriage to the love of her life, Richard W. Panowicz. They were blessed with forty-seven years of marriage. To their union three children were born. Christina Marie, ◀ FROM Page 1

Rebecca Ann, and Lorissa Lee. They lived and milked cows on a farm in Rockville until moving to the family’s farm between Rockville and Loup City in 1989.

Loraine was an avid community supporter. She was blessed as a homemaker until she went to work for Kings Variety. She started with Sherman County Bank in 1998 and continued her employment with Heritage Bank. She had twenty-seven years of service in the banking industry. She served on the school board for twenty-five years and was a great supporter of the Loup City schools. Among her successes, she enjoyed filling her time as a religious director, Girl Scouts leader, Austin Cemetery board member, book club member, and many more volunteer activities. In 1986, Loraine was instrumental in designing the Rockville Centennial logo for the village’s 100year celebration. One of her fondest hobbies was being a part of the Threads of Time Quilt Club. There, she enjoyed making beautiful quilts that were designed for family and friends. A big accomplishment was receiving second place at the Nebraska State Fair. Loraine has been honored through the years with many service awards. One of Loraine’s biggest honors is being called grandma.

Loraine is survived by her husband, Richard, of Rockville; daughters Christina Panowicz of Loup City; Rebecca (Justin) Biltoft of Rockville, and their stepdaughter, Lacy Biltoft of Kearney; and Lorissa (Robert) Auman and their sons, Hoyt, Hayes, and Huxtyn of McCool Junction; brothers and sisters, John (Linda) Heil, Karla (Monte) Stelk, Jason Heil, and Billynda Jo Spilinek (Jim Beeler); brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Raymond (Mary) Panowicz, Janice (Francis) Krolikowski, Rodney (Connie) Panowicz, Ronald (Charlene) Panowicz, Janel (Sam) Kraning, Russell (Diane) Panowicz, Joan (Roy) Clifton, Jean Wilson, and Randall Panowicz (Libby Butler); and many nieces; nephews; great-nieces; great-nephews; and numerous fourlegged friends.

Loraine is preceded in death by her father, John Heil Sr. (Betty); mother, Stella Reimers (Ron); sister, Jeri Lyn Heil; brothers-in-law, Robert Wysocki, Robert Panowicz, and Bryan Wilson; and sister-in-law, Diane Panowicz.