Josip Panijan

Josip "Joe" Panijan, 89, of Kansas City, Kansas, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2024, due to heart failure. Born on June 14, 1935, in the picturesque village of Podvučnik, Croatia, Joe's life was a remarkable journey of resilience, hard work, and dedication to his family and community.

Joe was the beloved son of Josip Panijan and Ana Markovic, both of whom preceded him in death. He was the middle child, growing up alongside his elder sister, Marica Kranjac, who remained in Croatia her entire life, and his youngest sister, Vera Stimac, who survives him and resides in Kansas City, Kansas. Vera emigrated to the United States in 1969 with Joe's support.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Patricia "Pat" Panijan, whom he married on November 6, 1965. Together, they built a life filled with love and shared joys, raising three daughters: Joanna Mispagel (Seminole, Florida), Mary Ann Panijan (Kansas City, Missouri), and Gina Dorough (Chicago, Illinois). Joe was a proud uncle to two nephews and a devoted grandfather to four grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and happiness.

Growing up in a humble mountain village, Joe spent his childhood working on his family's small farm, tending livestock and assisting with daily chores. His mother, Ana, fostered his love of learning by teaching him basic mathematics at home, compensating for the limited availability of formal education. Joe later pursued vocational training as a motor mechanic in Moravice, Croatia, a skill that became central to his life’s work.

In 1959, seeking freedom from the oppressive communist regime in Yugoslavia, Joe fled to western Europe, settling briefly in Évreux, France, in the Normandy region. There, he worked as an automobile mechanic for nearly two years before emigrating to the United States in 1961 under the sponsorship of the Krizmanich family. He began a new chapter of his life in Kansas City, Kansas, where he built a thriving career.

Joe operated a private auto repair shop before joining Trans World Airlines (TWA) as an airline engine mechanic, a position he held for 30 years. At TWA, he gained recognition for his expertise and was often entrusted with high-priority projects.

In addition to his professional achievements, Joe was a cornerstone of Kansas City's Croatian community. He was an active member and past president of Lodge #35 of the Croatian American Fraternal Union (CFU). Joe’s dedication extended to advocacy for Croatian independence, traveling to Washington, D.C., during the Croatian War of Independence (1991–1995).

A devoted family man, Joe provided for his daughters, ensuring they had access to higher education. He passed on values of hard work, thrift, and an appreciation for learning. His entrepreneurial spirit shone through his side jobs, including HVAC repairs and managing a 9-unit apartment building.

In retirement, Joe enjoyed reconnecting with his roots, traveling to Croatia to share his heritage with his family. A lifelong learner, he loved teaching his grandchildren math using coins and sharing his passion for languages. Known for his quick wit, Joe often quoted Jackie Gleason’s line, “How sweet it is,” embodying his zest for life.

Joe’s passing leaves a profound void but also a legacy of love, determination, and service.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, 708 N. 4th Street, Kansas City, Kansas. Visitation begins at 9:00 AM, followed by the Rosary at 10:00 AM, Mass at 10:30 AM, and interment at Mount Calvary Cemetery at 11:45 AM. Donations in Joe’s memory may be made to Saint John the Baptist Church.