~~     Melichar "Mike" Panis, 84, passed away in Wheaton Franciscan Hospital-All Saints, on Thursday, January 16, 2014. He was born in Czechoslovakia, on February 3, 1929, the son of the late Michael and Mary (nee: Mistuna) Panis. On May 26, 1962, in Ludington, MI, he was united in marriage to the former Gladys Ance, who preceded her in death on December 15, 2013. He had been employed by Savage Mfg. of Ludington, MI, Lakeside Malleable, and later retired from the J.I. Case Co. He was a member of St. Lucy Catholic Church, the National Slovak Society, and the retirees of Local #180. He loved to travel with his wife, Gladys, and was an avid Packer fan. Surviving are his daughter, Jennifer (fiancé, Don Balchitis) Kirt; grandchildren, Jessica, Jenna, and Joseph Kirt; 2 sisters, Ludmilla Panis and Magda Krepelan, both in the Czech Republic; sister-in-law, Sandra (Gordon) Ray-Sherevan, of Elkhart, IN, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Mike was preceded in death by 2 sisters and a brother. In keeping with his wishes a private service was held with entombment at West Lawn Memorial Park.