Richard T. Pennings, 75, New Franken, died peacefully on November 22, 2015, with family by his side. Born on September 23, 1940, in the Town of Preble, he is the son of the late John C. and Esther (DeDecker) Pennings. Dick proudly served in the United States Army from December 29, 1958 – May 19, 1961. On November 4, 1961, he married the former Elaine Hermans at St. Louis Catholic Church – Dyckesville. Dick was known in the area for his many years in real estate and home building. He enjoyed taking his grandchildren to Disney World when they turned eight years old, and attending all of the grandkids events. Dick was most proud of his family and the homes that he built. He also enjoyed traveling and making wood art.
Dick is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Elaine, New Franken; four children, Mark (Lori) Pennings, Green Bay, Mike (Jodi) Pennings, Oconto Falls, Tina (Lou) Nowak, Green Bay, and Michelle (Randy) La Plante, New Franken; 12 grandchildren; one brother and sister-in-law, Larry (Arlene) Pennings; one brother-in-law, George Schmelzer; two sisters-in-law, Yvonne Pennings and Bev Pennings; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Luke Pennings; two brothers, Jack and Tom Pennings; three sisters, Mary (Ted) Sterletski, Joyce (Calvin) Abts, and Barbara Schmelzer; and two foster brothers, Cy and John Huven.
A celebration mass will be held on Saturday, November 28, at 10:00 a.m. at Resurrection Catholic Church, 333 Hilltop Dr., Green Bay, with the Rev. Gary Pennings officiating. There will be no visitation prior to mass. If family and friends are unable to attend mass, please join in a luncheon and gathering following the mass at Resurrection Church. Entombment and full military honors will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday at Allouez Chapel Mausoleum, 2121 Riverside Drive, Green Bay.
*In lieu of any other expressions of sympathy, including flowers, please make out memorial donations to: Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 3, 1253 Scheuring Rd # A, De Pere, WI 54115, memo: Richard Pennings.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the compassionate staff that cared for Dick at St. Vincent Hospital.