Valentine M. Panka, 91, of Kenosha, passed away on Tuesday, August 16, 2011, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Born on February 14, 1920, in Pelican Lake, WI, he was the son of the late Martin and Mary (Mecikalski) Panka. He was educated in the schools of Pelican Lake before coming to Kenosha in 1938 to make his home. On October 6, 1936, he enrolled in the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp) at Camp Pigeon in Drummond, WI, where he served until his honorable discharge on March 31, 1937. He then proudly enlisted in the United States Army during World War II. He served from January 22, 1943, until his honorable discharge on October 27, 1945. He received four overseas service bars, the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon w/2 battle stars, the Good Conduct Medal Meritorious Unit Award, and the World War II Victory Medal. On October 18, 1941, he married Florence Galeotti in Dubuque, IA. For over 30 years he worked as a Machinist for Snap-On tools until retiring in 1978. He was a member the local Machinist Union and Moose Lodge and attended St. Mary Catholic Church. Valentine enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time in his cabin up north. He especially enjoyed working on cars and his home; he was a great handyman. He was deeply devoted to his parents and mother-in-law. Surviving are his wife of almost 70 years, Florence; two daughters, Valerie (Thomas) Kinney of Kenosha and Leslie (Carlos Sr.) Hernandez of Kenosha; nine grandchildren, Tim Frederick, Beth (fiancée, Bill Pease) Frederick, Shaun (Sara) Hernandez, Carlos (Donna) Hernandez, Jr., Theresa (Dan) Giannotti, Amy (David Sr.) Maack, Marcy (Bruce) Johnson, Teri (Trice) Barnett, and Tim Kinney; and eight great-grandchildren; Brooke, David II, Maria, Victoria, Jasiah, Tony, Dustin and Austin. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters; five brothers; a grandson, Aaron Michael Hernandez; and a son-in-law, Lawrence Frederick, Jr. The family would life to extend a special thank you to Lucy, Julie, Laura, Ashley and his special Angel Patty and to all the other special caregivers. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 20th, at Proko Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. Interment, with full military honors, will follow at St. George Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday at Proko Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Seasons Hospice would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Valentine’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com