Mark R. Pennings

Mark R. Pennings, age 61, of Menasha, passed away on Friday, July 5, 2019, at his home with his wife and children by his side. Mark was born on July 4, 1958 in Kaukauna, son of the late Wilbert and Dorothy (Hoks) Pennings. He graduated from Little Chute High School in 1976 and went on to earn his master’s degree in Psychology. His family and friends will always remember his compassion for people with special needs or mental illnesses.

Mark married his Love, Ellen Mitchell, on June 11, 1993 and together they had five children. He was so proud of each of his children and loved spending time supporting their interests. His children will remember his story telling and his sense of humor and will miss his home-made pizza, banana bread, and tuna casserole. Mark was a life-long learner and enjoyed his weekly visits to the Menasha Library, where he was known by name. Mark and his children have many fond memories of watching Packers games at “Aunt Lynn’s” house. “Go, Jordy!”

In May 2019, Mark was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor. During his illness, Mark and his family experienced God’s amazing love in countless ways, including the restoration of multiple broken relationships.

Mark is survived by his wife Ellen, his 5 children:  Andrea (22), Kate (21), Olivia (20), Jackson (18), and Jeffrey (17); his siblings: Lee (Julie) Pennings, David (Kay) Pennings, Barb Werkheiser, Fred (Joan) Pennings, Sandie (Tim) Roovers, and Pat (Steve) Bevers; his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Mathew and Judy Mitchell; his other in-laws: Todd Mitchell, Mark (Debbie) Mitchell, Hope (William) Welch, Kathy (Jack) Schmeisser, Peter (Stacey) Mitchell, Sarah Mitchell, Dawn Mitchell, John (Ivy) Mitchell, Mary (Steve) Terry, and Jason Mitchell; and his best friend Wayne (Vicki) Bokelman. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Mark was preceded in death by 3 sisters, Mary Roberts, Lynn Brown, and Anne Beasley; 2 brothers-in-law, Paul Werkheiser and Jim Mitchell; 2 nephews, Jeremy Welch and Bo Waalkens, and a great-nephew, Chaz Brown. 

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at Appleton Alliance Church, 2693 W. Grand Chute Blvd., Appleton with Pastor Mark Tegtmeier officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established in Mark’s name. 

The family would like to thank Lakeland Care District, Emerald Valley Assisted Living, Ascension 4th floor Oncology doctors, nurses and staff, and Ascension Hospice for their compassionate care to Mark and his entire family.  For online condolences, please visit:  www.verkuilenfh.com 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.