Froney T. Panek (née Biesk), of Chicago, IL, was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many. A deeply faithful woman who loved God, she was welcomed to the kingdom of heaven at age 91 on April 5, 2023. She was the beloved wife of the late Walter F. Panek, and loving mother of Stanley (Rose) Panek, the late Sharon Panek, Edward (Beverly) Panek, and Lynn (Scott Fredrick) Ailant. She loved cultivating her garden, pouring her love into homemade meals, creating beautiful art with needlework and crochet, but most of all, caring for her grandchildren. Froney is the beloved grandmother of Mike (Lynsey) Panek, Johnathan (Morgan Mlinar) Ailant, Alina Panek, Tifani Panek and the loving great-grandmother of George Panek. Among many other things about their grandmother, they loved when she would stand at the window and wave goodbye until the family car turned the corner and also her mashed potatoes, a family favorite at holiday dinners.

Froney was born June 19, 1931 in Tamaroa, Illinois to the late John and the late Mary (née Prusacki) Biesk. She is greeted in the beyond by her late brothers, Joseph Biesk, Michael Biesk, Walter Biesk, Leonard Biesk, and Frank Biesk and will live forever in the memory of her sisters Lucille Halley, and JoAnn Kozuszek.

Froney had many occupations in her long life, mastering any challenge and keeping her hands busy. She loved to regale stories of her time as a phone operator for the selective Illinois Bell, a supervisor at Resurrection Hospital, and management for Heck's Catering and Lido Banquets. Froney retired for her lifelong love of caring for her family. She held great pride in her spotless home. Even in the late years of her life, she was always asking what needed to be done. She was always willing to lend a hand.

She will be remembered by her loved ones as a woman with a decisive mind, enormous heart and crafty hands. One of the youngest of her siblings living on the family farm, she learned quickly to stand up for herself, earning a quick wit and a sharp work ethic. Sassy and stubborn, anyone could tell you that Froney wasn't a woman to be messed with. Her fierceness also emerged when it came to her family. Throughout her whole life, she was often found deeply caring for another, whether it was one of her siblings, her niece and goddaughter Donna who in her early years was Froney's close companion, her husband, her children, or her grandchildren. She was especially close to her late daughter Sharon, whom many would say were caretakers for each other. Her family is very happy they are reunited.

In her free time, she loved to talk to family members on the phone, beautify her home with flower arrangements and dance to the Polish program polka music on Sunday mornings.

A visitation will be held Thursday, April 13, 2023 from 9:30 am until 10:30 am at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois . Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 am at St. Mary Church, 794 Pearson St., Des Plaines, Illinois . Entombment in All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, Illinois. The memorial luncheon will be held after the entombment at the Lone Tree Manor, 7730 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL 60714 . In lieu of flowers, masses appreciated. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com .

To view the livestream of Froney's funeral, click here .