Steven Lee Panitzke, age 65 of Belview, passed away Friday, August 28, 2026 at CentraCare St. Cloud Hospital, following a sudden devastating medical emergency.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at St. John Lutheran Church in Vesta.
Visitation will be held 5:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at the church, with a prayer service at 8:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.
Burial will be in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Sheridan Township.
A Celebration of Steve’s Life will be held beginning at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 2 at Mac on Main in Belview. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Steven Lee Panitzke was born on August 11, 1961, in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, to Leroy and Rosemary (Rohlik) Panitzke. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. John Lutheran Church in Sheridan Township. As a child, Steve earned the nickname “Weed” after experiencing a growth spurt – which didn’t last – and he quickly settled into his more modest stature, but he never let that stop him from making a big impression. Steve graduated from Belview High School and began farming alongside his dad. He briefly ventured into welding, but farming was where his heart was, and he returned to the family operation. He was proud to continue farming with his dad and brother, Al, and took great pride in it. Steve was blessed with a daughter, Britney, who gave him the title of dad. When Steve married LuJean Ekstrom on April 27, 1991, at St. John Lutheran Church in Sheridan Township, he was blessed again – not only with LuJean as his wife, but with the opportunity to bring their families together and build a life as one. Steve and LuJean completed their family with Jesse, Josh, and Brianna. Steve gave nearly 30 years of selfless service to his community as a member of the Belview Fire Department. He also served on the board at St. John Lutheran Church in Sheridan Township, and later at St. John Lutheran Church in Vesta. He was the kind of person people could count on when help was needed, and he took great pride in serving his neighbors. When he wasn’t farming or answering a fire call, Steve enjoyed working on his Chevelle, riding his Harley, deer hunting, fishing, or enjoying a round of golf with the guys at Stoney Creek Golf Course in Renville. He enjoyed good times and good friends. Steve was a son, husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend to many. His family and friends will miss his presence, his humor, his stubborn streak, and the many ways he made life memorable.

Steve is survived by his wife, LuJean; children: Britney (Joe) Erler, Jesse Panitzke, Josh Panitzke, Brianna (Zach Rodgers) Panitzke; grandchildren: Adonis, Adrian, Adalyn, Abella, Andre, Jayce, Elyanna, Falynn, Finn, and four-legged fur-grandbaby, Knox Rodgers; parents Leroy and Rosemary Panitzke; siblings: Sharon (Mylo) Hustad, Randy (Troy Loiselle) Panitzke, Al (Celeste) Panitzke; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He is preceded in death by his Grandma and Grandpa Panitzke, Grandma and Grandpa Rohlik, mother-in-law Shirley Peters, nephews: Chris Panitzke, Tyler Panitzke, Ryan Hebrink, and niece Madeline Sanchez.