Michael L. Pandzik, Age: 77
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Aug 25, 1945---Nov 07, 2022

Michael L. Pandzik (Navy Cap’t, ret) passed away on November 7, 2022.  He had lived bravely through 3 previous cancers but lost the battle with the 4th.  He was loved by many, but none as much as his wonderful family.  He is survived by his wife of 21 years Cary Danielson Pandzik, his son Alex Pandzik (Rachael) and daughter Emily Pandzik. Stepchildren Eric Danielson (Allison) and Julie Danielson (Chris Clements) and his 3 precious grandchildren, Hank, Josie and Teddy Danielson.

Michael was born in Corpus Christi, TX in 1945 to George and Peg Pandzik.  He and his siblings, Susan Pieper, Barbara Hibben and James Pandzik, traveled the whole United States with their father, a Naval officer, until finally landing in Beatrice, Nebraska.  Michael graduated from Beatrice HS, went to on get an undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska and a Master’s degree in theatre from the University of Kansas. 

Michael founded the National Cable Television Cooperative in 1984. It grew to be the 5th largest cable company in the US and continued to flourish after his retirement in 2006.

Michael’s passions in life were motorcycling and travel.  He was stationed in over 70 countries during the 24 years he served as a Naval Reserve officer.  After he retired from NCTC, he and his wife, Cary traveled worldwide until his health declined.

Michael was an avid reader and a lifelong learner. Up until his final weeks, he was studying French and Italian on a daily basis.  He completed his EMR training at age 70 and was a huge support of the arts.

Some of his last words were:

“Death comes to us all – it is as natural as being born and living a full life.  It just came to me sooner than I had hoped. If you are reading this, then you were probably a close friend or family member.  I love you and am confident that we will see each other again one day.  Be good to each other and be kind to strangers. Treat immigrants the way you want to be treated.  Set a good example. Never give up.  Love your friends and family and take good care of them whenever you get the chance.  It’s all just that simple!”

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00am on Sunday, November 20th, B&B Shawnee Theatres, 16301 Midland Dr., Shawnee KS 66217.

Donations may be made to the Julie Tree Fund, Providing live music for all Music Theatre Kansas City productions

www.MTKC.org/donate


Condolences

Jolene Gilmore Nov 09, 2022

Friend ,Roselle Park ,New Jersey

We were so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was such a kind, supportive man, always worrying about others. I know your family will miss him enormously, as will his community.

Josh Harvey Nov 09, 2022

Friend ,Cape Girardeau ,Missouri

My condolences to Cary and Julie and the whole family. I am honored to have met and talked with Mike the times that I did. He was a scholar and a gentleman.

John Overton Nov 10, 2022

Husband of Mike's niece ,Baton Rouge ,Louisiana

My family loved visiting with Uncle Mike on summer road trip stops. I treasure how he connected with my daughter on their love of fine food--especially meats and olive varieties. His wry sense of humor was a special treat--that grin and smiling eyes! He readily shared his insights on such diverse topics from ham radio (he introduced me to Yaesu and Icom gear!) to world events; from his beloved kids and grandkids to the arts. Even when it was obvious he was not feeling well, he made us feel so welcome, and we're grateful for the fond memories we made puttering around the kitchen, eating gourmet burgers around that giant round dining table, and then watching the kids relax while snuggling with his old dog, Hops. Much love to Cary, Emily, Jim, Barb, Susan and the rest of Mike's family. I'm so thankful for the time I shared with him.

Adrienne Bell Nov 11, 2022

Friendly Chat ,Riverside ,California

Mike and I shared stories about medical issues that we had in common. He had jokes to lighten the situation. What a pleasant person he was. May he rest in peace until we all meet again on the other side. Sincerely, Adrienne

William Harsh Nov 13, 2022

A good guy! Letters to the editor will never be as good without Mike. A wonderful designer of motorcycles and a mind that was always on. Yes, he will be missed by many.

Lisa Shabes Schroeppel Nov 14, 2022

Friend ,Nothridge ,California

Mike was such a sweet and kind man. I loved visiting with him at my dad and Cindy's house. He always had such great stories and always took the time to catch up with me to see how I was doing. He will be greatly missed by all of us. Sending lots of love to your whole family.

Winfried ( Winni ) Sterzl Nov 16, 2022

Friend ,Essen, Germany

Of all places on this earth, it was in Down Under New Zealand, where I met Mike for the first time. We were part of an organised off-road motorbike tour and I was able to respond to his invitation and pay a first visit in Kansas later the same year. That was thirty years ago and through all those decades, many visits followed Stateside and in Europe. Mike always was a source of inspiration and a knowledgable friend in many conversations about life, the universe and everything. His hospitality and friendliness always amazed me and I am very grateful for the precious time spent together, me living on the wrong side of the ocean the one regret, that we couldn’t have met more often. You will never be forgotten.

Dave Bartel Nov 16, 2022

Fellow Mentor at HEMP ,Leawood ,Kansas

Unfortunately, I didn't have the opportunity to meet Michael, however I felt I should share that I heard only positive things about him from other Mentors at HEMP. Recently a conversation I was having led into "do you know Pandzik?....you should meet him he's a good guy". It was one of those conversations that someone was sharing that Michael could bring value to the topic. In reading Michael's obituary and especially some of his last words, he had to be someone special. My thoughts are with your family.