Yvonne Pennings

Yvonne M, Pennings, age 90, died at Anna's House Assisted Living in New Franken after a 5-year struggle with dementia. Yvonne "Vonnie" was born in Thiry Daems, Wisconsin to Gladys C. (Paque) and Felix C. Agamaite, and spent much of her youth in or around Dyckesville, Wisconsin. She graduated from Luxemburg High School and married John J. "Jack" Pennings, the love of her life, on July 7 th , 1954, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Dyckesville. Vonnie became a Licensed Practical Nurse and, along with her husband, Jack, served as a nursing home administrator for the bulk of her work life. Vonnie and Jack operated at different times, Rockwood Convalescent Home, Parkview Manor Skilled Nursing Home and, later, Alpine Country House, a community-based residence facility. Many nurses and nurses' aides respected Vonnie and were dedicated partners with her in caring for seniors. Before retiring she worked for Prevea Health in Green Bay.

Vonnie's life was one of selfless service to others. She cared for the elderly and infirm for decades and was a loving wife and mother, always putting the needs of others before herself. Despite the demands of her work life, she always found time to serve her beloved husband and her three sons. When her grandchildren came along, she cared for them daily from the time they were born until they entered high school. They became the joy of her life. Vonnie enjoyed traveling with her family, loved Christmas and prayed hard for all those she loved. Her family will miss her but lovingly commend her to the tender love and mercy of Almighty God.

Vonnie is survived by her three sons and two daughters-in-law: Fr. Gary Pennings, Bucyrus, KS; Daniel (Cheryl) Pennings, Hardeeville, SC and extended family in SC and GA; Todd (Sue) Pennings, New Franken; her grandchildren: Adam Pennings (Allysa); Jacob Pennings (Samantha), and Maria Pennings (Dawson), all of New Franken; one sister, Sandy Joniaux, Luxemburg; one brother and five sisters-in-law, Jimmy (Linda) Agamaite, Armstrong Creek; Evelyn Agamaite, Dyckesville; Beverly Pennings, Green Bay; Arlene Pennings, Denmark; Elaine Pennings, New Franken; one brother-n-law, George Schmelzer, Sturgeon Bay, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Vonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys C. and Felix C. Agamaite; three brothers and three sisters-in-law: Felix J. "Junior" (LaVonne) Agamaite; Garland Agamaite; Donald (Jean) (Lorna) Agamaite; three sisters and three brothers-in-law, Donna Agamaite, Gloria (Art) Alexander; Diane (Marty) Konop;Laurel Joniaux; her husband's parents, Esther and John C. Pennings; her husband's siblings and their spouses: Mary (Theodore) Sterletske, Thomas Pennings, Joyce (Calvin) Abts, Larry Pennings, Barbara Schmelzer, and Richard Pennings.

Vonnie's family is most grateful to Vonnie's relatives and in-laws who visited her in recent years, and especially her sister, Sandy Joniaux and her children, who always showed such great care and respect to Vonnie. The family also wants to express sincere gratitude to Connie Lemmens who visited her often and to Larry and Diana Day, and all the others in Kansas and South Carolina who helped care for Vonnie while she lived in those places. Special gratitude also goes to the staff and management of Anna's House who cared for Vonnie with patience, compassion and great love, and to Danielle and others from Compassus Hospice that gave such tender care to Vonnie in her last months of life.

Visitation will be held from 9am to 10:45am on Thursday, May 8 th at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Champion, 5996 County Road K, New Franken, WI. The Funeral Mass will be at 11am at the church with Rev. Gary Pennings celebrating and Rev. Patrick Beno concelebrating.

Interment of Vonnie's remains will take place later in the day at the Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum, 2770 Bay Settlement Rd, Green Bay, WI. McMahon Funeral Home, Luxemburg, in charge of arrangements.

Online condolence messages may be shared at McMahonFH.com

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Champion or Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Bucyrus, KS.

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