Joyce D Penning

October 5, 1932 ~ May 2, 2024

Joyce Diane Penning, 91 years old, resident of Joliet, passed peacefully on Thursday, May 2nd, with her eldest son William and her caregiver Sarah at her side.

Joyce was the devoted wife to the “love of her life and soul mate”, the late Wilmer Frederick Penning. They were happily married for 43 wonderful years until he passed August 2, 1991 at age 62.

She was born October 5, 1932 in Chicago to Elmer and Beatrice Elander. Her caring and giving father, as a single father raised both Joyce at age (7 years old) and Gene (4½ years old) by himself. Joyce loved her family and friends. She stayed in touch with her longtime Chicago neighbor, Norma Kokaska.

Joyce was a woman of strong faith and accepted our Lord Jesus Christ while she was in grade school. She attended a Bible study with seven other students at her pastor's home. She brought the Bible with the white cover that her grandmother gave her as a gift. She was a Christian all her life. She attended Messiah Lutheran, Missouri Synod Church located on the northwest side of Chicago, and Our Savior Lutheran Church, Joliet. She loved listening to both Billy Graham and Dr. David Jerimiah's sermons. She missed talking to her loving sister-in-law, Ilse Louise Elander about God, faith and family after passing on October, 23, 2022.

Joyce loved to listen to Christian music, enjoyed watching the Waltons and Fox News. She was knowledgeable about world issues and felt sad about our country's decline. She admitted that she worried all the time about everything.

Joyce Penning was a wonderful, kind and generous person, she led a good life and definitely will be missed. She is now happily reunited with her family and friends in Heaven. As a Christian, this was her belief.

She was preceded in death by her loving father, Elmer Elander passing April,1985; her brother, Eugene Elander passing July, 1991; and sister-in-law, Ilse Elander passing on October 23, 2022.

Joyce is survived by one son, William Penning, one (nephew, Eric Elander; two nieces, Christina Kessler and Andrea Elander; one cherished grandson, Kyle Penning, and former daughter-in-law Carol Penning

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 17, 2024, in loving remembrance of both Joyce Diane Penning and David Scott Penning. Arrangements by Montclair-Lucania Funeral Home, 6901 W Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL 60634, (773) 622-9300. Viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m. and a Celebration of Life will start at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Matthew Carlson, and music provided by Melissa Rousek.

A graveside service will follow immediately after the memorial service. It will be held on Friday, May 17, 2024, at Mount Emblem Cemetery, located at 520 E. Grand Avenue, Elmhurst, IL 60126, (630) 834-6080. Pastor Matthew Carlson, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Joliet, will be officiating.

Expressions of sympathy, cards, and memorial contributions are greatly appreciated. Memorial contributions to Franklin Graham Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC, 28607 (828) 262-1980 (Samaritanspurse.org). Thank you for your support.

Bill Penning extends his gratitude to Lucy's Home Care for their support, love and kindness caring for his mother this past year and especially during her final days.

David Scott Penning

August 24, 1959 ~ January 14, 2024

David Scott Penning was 64 years old. He was the beloved son of Joyce and the late Wilmer Penning. Loving brother to William F. Penning. Fond Uncle of Kyle W. Penning.

David was born on August 24, 1959. He lived most of his life with his family at 6220 W. Warwick Ave in Chicago. The remaining years of his life, David lived in Joliet with his mother, Joyce Penning.

David loved cars and took care of his car along with his mom’s. He liked the big unattached house garage and often spent time there working on the cars. David enjoyed having coffee and a bite to eat at the Diamonds Family Restaurant in Joliet until it closed in 2021.

He despised technology of all kinds and even refused to use a cell phone. David helped to take care of his mom along with his older brother Bill and a live-in caregiver.