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Michael Joseph 'Mike' Penner
Funeral services with fire department honors for Michael Joseph 'Mike' Penner, 67, Lawrence, will be at 11 am Saturday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Mike died Sunday, July 6, 2014, in Bucksport, Maine, after falling ill while vacationing with his wife.
He was born Apr. 24, 1947, in Newton, Kan., the son of LeRoy and Joanne. He graduated from Newton High School in 1965, where he was the class president. He attended University of Kansas and later earned a bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University. Mike served the Lawrence Fire Department from 1974 to 1988, and later served the Olathe Fire Department from 1988 to 2000, where he retired as Battalion Chief. He later worked for FEMA from 2008 to 2011. Mike was the executive director of the Class of 1965 Fox Theater Renovation Project in Newton, and was a marathon runner, skier, bird enthusiast, artist, writer, and published poet.
He married Joane Nagel on May 1, 1982, in Lawrence. She survives of the home. Other survivors include a daughter, Jody Penner, Ottawa; his mother, Joanne Rash Peters, Newton; a sister, Betty Jo Schmidt and husband Richard, Salina; and a niece, Aimee Holgerson and her husband Jeff and daughters Caroline and Grace, Salina.
Friends may call from 3 pm to 8 pm Friday at the funeral home, where the family will receive them from 6 to 7:30 pm. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Kansas State Firefighters Association (KSFFA) Scholarship Fund, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044. Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.
Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
We were so sorry to hear about Mike's death, Joane. Our thoughts are with you. Carol and Kathi, Coronado
July 31, 2014
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Penner. May the God of all comfort be with you and your family during this most difficult time.
P R
July 15, 2014
Joane,
Mike's contributions are inspirational for the community. Please know that our thoughts are with you as you cope with this tremendous loss.
Sharon and Vaughn, Meriel and Morgan
July 14, 2014
Joane - I am so sorry to hear about Mike's untimely passing. He was indeed a multi-talented person. You are certainly in my thoughts.
Shirley Harkess
July 13, 2014
Joane,
So sorry for your loss, but we consider ourselves lucky to have gotten to know you and Mike the night before his untimely death when we had dinner with the two of you, and Trisha and her father on board the Independence.
Our thoughts are certainly with you.
Virginia and Stiles Stevens
July 13, 2014
Joane: We are very sorry for your loss. He and his smile will be missed.
Sincerely, Pat and Joe Johnston
Pat Johnston
July 11, 2014
The ever gracious and delightful host at wonderful dinners and even more wonderful conversations. You leave us with very fond memories. Adieu Mike. We will miss you.
Kemi Obadare
July 10, 2014
Joane, we are so very sorry for your loss. Mike was such a wonderful person and I always enjoyed talking with him at your wonderful IGERT receptions. It was wonderful to read about all of Mike's amazing accomplishments. He has done so much for our community, as well as others. He will not be forgotten. We are here for you, and you are in our thoughts each and every day. Joy, Rob, Joyce, Jamie, and Kirsten
Joy Ward
July 10, 2014
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Funeral services provided by:
Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044
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