Penning, William Wayne 1917-2008

PENNING, REEVES, HARKER

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 4/3/2009 at 21:57:59

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, April 3, 2009

Wayne Penning, 91, of Le Mars, died Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008, at the Plymouth Manor Care Center in Le Mars.

William Wayne Penning was born April 26, 1917, in Le Mars, the son of William and Bessie (Reeves) Penning. Wayne attended school in Le Mars and graduated from Le Mars Central High School in 1935. Wayne was united in marriage to Harriett Harker on Jan. 12, 1936, in Le Mars. Wayne was drafted into service with the United States Army during World War II, serving in 1945 and 1946. Following his discharge from the service he returned to Le Mars and worked for the United States Post Office and later for Wells' Dairy.

In 1959, Wayne and Harriett moved to California. While living in California, Wayne worked at several liquor stores in the communities they lived in. The couple returned to Le Mars in 1996. Harriett died Sept. 29, 2006.

Survivors include a daughter, Shirley Penning of Le Mars and a son, Lowell Penning of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; four grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, William and Bessie (Reeves) Penning; his wife Harriett on Sept. 29, 2006; a son Wendell in 1968; and a sister, Rose McGrew.

Inurnment in the Veteran's Section of Memorial Cemetery will be at 11 a.m. Monday, April 6, with military honors provided by the Wasmer American Legion Post #241. Following the graveside service a luncheon for family and friends will be at the Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars. Arrangements are with the Carlsen Funeral Home of Le Mars.