Matthew Penning

Matthew David (Matt) Penning, 63, of Springfield, died on January 10, 2018 at St. Johns Hospital. Matt was born on September 9, 1954 in Springfield, Illinois, the son of Howard and Jean (Hartley) Penning. He graduated from Griffin High School, Lincoln Land Community College, Sangamon State University and attended Kenrick Seminary among other various educational pursuits. On October 7, 1978 he married the love of his life, his "Karen Sue," Ford at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Springfield. After teaching fourth grade for two years at Cathedral Grade School, Matt began his work at the State of Illinois Department of Public Health. He was an eager pioneer in the field of personal computers, the Internet, and all that was to follow. He took his interest in learning, coupled it with his desire to help people, and put those skills and talents to work at the State of Illinois for 32 years. From Public Health, he moved to the Department of Human Services in the Office of Disability Determination, from which he retired. Matt had many passions and interests, especially when it came to technology. When the Internet exploded, he was among the first to truly grasp the revolution and led the way in using it to connect with people and ideas across the globe. A lifelong learner, Matt used the Internet as a vehicle to take him everywhere he wanted to go. These connections gave him fuel for many of his interests, especially his beautiful talent of photography, which he used to explore the world. After his retirement, Matt delved seriously into his photography, shooting many weddings, family portraits and volunteering his talents to many organizations such as UIS and St. Agnes Parish. He was known for his "picture of the day" blog where he not only displayed his photos, but also captured the spirit of the moment with his writing. Matt was a very faith-filled man and a dedicated member of St. Agnes Parish in Springfield where he was involved in the choir for 41 years, routinely playing the guitar at Mass and cantoring. He loved to sing and play the guitar and bringing happiness to people through music. He was a volunteer for the school, in the variety shows, and was recognized as Alumni of the Year. He was also deeply involved in the TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) and Koinonia retreat communities for many years. He had the heart of a servant and loved helping people. This was clearly evidenced by his weekly blood/platelet donations and his recent 28-gallon donation achievement. He loved nature and was known for riding his bike, taking walks, and of course, photographing the miracles that appeared to him along the way. Matt worked hard to maintain his health and went so far as to become vegan in recent years. Above all, Matt was a family man. He was a dedicated husband, father, brother, uncle and friend to many whom he treated like family. He was the baby of the Penning family of eight children and known to be the family jokester, rascal, and constant force of love and joy. He loved photographing family events and was developing a passion for the family history. Matt was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Jean Penning; his brothers, Frank and Larry; father-in-law, Tom Ford; and sister-in-law, Cheryl Penning. Matt is survived by his wife, Karen; his son, Christopher Michael Penning and his wife, Jennie; siblings, Dennis (Kieran) of Chesterton, IN, Nicholas (Mary Ann) of Arlington, VA, John (Debbie) of Springfield, Mary Anne of Springfield, and Patricia "Trish" of Chatham; mother-in-law, Mary Ford; sister-in-law, Lisa Letorney (Michael); brothers-in-law, Thomas Ford and Kevin Ford; uncle, Don Ford; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial Gathering and Funeral Mass: Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos St., Springfield with Rev. Robert J. Jallas, celebrant. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos St., Springfield IL 62702, Central IL Community Blood Center, Attn: Maggie Wooldridge, 2801 S. 10th St., Springfield, IL 62703, or NPRIL.org.