Joseph A. Pennings

Joseph A. Pennings, age 97, of Town of Buchanan, passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

Joe was born on September 29, 1928 to Art and Rose (Hermsen) Pennings and grew up in Little Chute, WI. Joe graduated from St. John’s Little Chute in 1947. Joe then served his country in the US Army from 1951-1953.

After his military service, he began working at Thilmany Paper Mill. After 25 years, he left Thilmany to begin his second career as a commercial real estate developer.

In his leisure time, Joe and Cassie enjoyed vacationing in Arizona, Aruba, and Las Vegas. Joe enjoyed watching wildlife in his yard and was an avid Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers fan. He was proud to have gone to the Ice Bowl.

Joe is survived by his wife, Cassie; son, Scott (Karen) Pennings; daughters: Valerie (John Rohr), Pam Pennings, and Kerry (Gerard) Pennings; brothers-in-law: Bill (Barb) Martin, Joe (Joanie) Martin, George Heider; sister-in-law, Marilyn Pennings; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is further survived by his grandchildren: Jordan Pennings, Jenny (Kyle) Englebert, Amber (Ryan) Searer, Julia Pennings, and Natalie (Cody) Stoltz; great grandchildren: Caydon, Eli, and Grayson Englebert, Aaliyah and Aubrey Searer, and John Jr. Rohr.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents: Art and Rose (Hermsen) Pennings; brother, Art Pennings; grandson, John Rohr Jr.; sisters: Margaret Zornow, Rose Pennings, Clare Dercks, Ethel Niesz, and Mildred Jansen; brothers-in-law: Bill Zornow, Jack Niesz, Bob Jansen, and Gene Dercks; and former wife, Margaret Pennings.

Joe was a kind, compassionate and charitable man who had a strong faith in God. He supported many charitable causes throughout his life. Everyone loved Joe!

A private funeral Mass will be held to honor Joe’s life. Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home, Little Chute has been entrusted to assist the family during this time. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

Tell your family that you love them. Joe you were a wonderful husband and I will miss you every day of my life until we see each other again just beyond the moon-Cassie