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RUSCH, Virginia,
During World War II, she spent much of her time photographing children and pets for servicemen stationed away from home. In the 1950’s she and the family lived in many parts of the country coming to California in 1963. Virginia spent the last seven years living in Los Altos after 33 years of living in Atherton, CA. Virginia was dedicated to several service organizations, including the Serra Center and the Quester’s Club. Her hobbies included gardening, sewing, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and adding to her many collections.
A memorial service was held on July 22, 2003, at the First United Methodist Church in Palo Alto, where she was an active member. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Serra Auxiliary Inc., c/o Mrs. Millie Ruff, 1125 Altschul Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025.
PANEC, Gerald (Jerry),
Much loved husband of 55 years to Rosemary Panec. Devoted father to Janine Siler, Terry and Lee Panec, and father-in-law to Kenneth Siler, Kathy and Colleen Panec. Adored grandfather of Matthew, Kira, Damien and Paul Siler, Danielle, Jessica, Shannon, Erin and Leah Panec. Brother of Don Panec of Northridge, CA and Elaine Cheney of Crystal Lake, IL.
A deeply religious man, Jerry joined the Servite Seminary but left after five years to join the U.S. Navy during WWII. After his honorable discharge, he pursued his education in Electrical Engineering, graduating from Illinois Institute of Technology. After managing many projects at Lockheed Missiles and Space including the Hubble Space Telescope Program, Jerry retired in 1987. Jerry derived great pleasure from his community service. He was an active member of Boy Scouts of America for 68 years serving as Scoutmaster of Troop 103 and in many Council activities such as organizing Stanford Area Council’s Scouting for Food Drive in 1988. He was awarded the St. George, St. Anne, and Silver Beaver Medals. In 1995, Jerry received the Peninsula West Valley Association of Realtors’ Award for Community Service. For many years, both Jerry and Rosemary have supported Loaves and Fishes, a kitchen providing food for the needy. Since 1989, he was a dedicated volunteer in El Camino Hospital’s Emergency Room.
Memorial Mass was celebrated at 11:00 AM, Thursday, October 9th, at St. William Church, Los
Altos. Arrangements under the direction of the Los Altos Chapel of Spangler Mortuaries, 399 So. San Antonio Road, Los Altos.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations in honor of Jerry to his late grandson’s memorial fund (a 501(c)(3) tax deductible charity), which supports camperships for needy Boy Scouts. Damien Siler Memorial Fund, c/o Phillip Lyman, JD, 1305 Ranchita Drive, Los Altos, CA 94024.
HAAG, Robert Marlay,
He was born in Dayton, Ohio and graduated from Steele High School. Robert continued his education with a Masters from Northwestern University and his PhD from Indiana University in Physical Chemistry. He belonged to the American Chemical Society. He worked at KAPL (Knowls Atomic Power Lab) in New York. He continued research for GE in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was instrumental in the ceramics research development of the heat shield for the manned space program for the Aerospace Program while residing in Massachusetts. At Ampex from 1971 to 1986, he continued his research in the field of ceramics for the recording industry. He was a member of the American Ceramics Society.
Robert is survived by his wife Margaret whom he met at a dance at Northwestern University. Also survived by his children; Richard and his wife Nancy and their children Allison and Dana; Mary; and Karen and her husband Gary and their children AshleyElaine and KelseyAnne.
Robert is remembered for his sense of humor, his dedication to his family, his church and his friends. He was a mentor to many members of his church. He was a chess player, loved cross word puzzles, building with and for his grandchildren, loved to travel and was active in researching his genealogy along with his wife.
Family and friends were warmly welcomed to Memorial Services on Wednesday, October 8, 2003, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Los Altos, CA. Interment Gate of Heaven, Veterans Section.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to Immanuel Lutheran Church’s youth program.
