Penning, Harriett R. 1916-2006

PENNING, HARKER, GARDNER

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, Volunteer
Date: 4/15/2007 at 22:02:59

LeMars Sentinel,
Monday, October 2, 2006

Harriett R. Penning, 90, of Le Mars, died Friday, Sept. 29, 2006, at Plymouth Manor Care Center in Le Mars.

Harriett Rozena Harker was born April 8, 1916, in Le Mars, the daughter of John and Nell (Gardner) Harker. Harriett was raised in Le Mars and graduated from Le Mars Central High School in 1934. She worked as a switchboard operator for the medical clinic when it was located downtown.

Harriett was united in marriage to William Wayne Penning on Jan. 12, 1936 in Le Mars. Harriett received nursing training from Sacred Heart Hospital in Le Mars. In 1959, Harriett and Wayne moved to California. She worked as a nurse in California for many years and later worked as a maid at the International Hotel in Inglewood, Calif., for a number of years. She then returned to nursing as a private duty nurse until her retirement. In 1996, they moved back to Le Mars.

Harriett enjoyed shopping and helping care for her grandchildren. In their younger years, Harriett and Wayne enjoyed bowling.

Survivors include her husband of 70 years, Wayne of Le Mars; two children, four grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild, and a nephew, Kenneth Crosby of Toledo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son Wendell in 1968 and a sister Louise Frost.

Graveside inurnment will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Memorial Cemetery in Le Mars. Arrangements are with the Carlsen Funeral Home of Le Mars.