Ronald J. Penner

Ronald J. Penner

April 14, 1944 - Dec. 13, 2011

Ronald Joel Penner passed away Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011, at his home in McCook, Nebraska, after a brief battle with cancer. He was 67 years old.

Ron was born to Lawrence George and Edith Madeline (Rains) Penner on April 14, 1944, in Hastings, Nebraska.

He was baptized and confirmed in the Methodist Church. Ron attended elementary school in Cambridge and Bartley and he graduated from high school in 1962. After graduation he worked for Safeway and Hinky Dinky Grocery Chains in McCook and North Platte in the meat department as a meat cutter. In 1975 he began his career as a State Farm agent in McCook and retired in 2009 after 34 years of service to his clients.

On July 18, 1986, Ron married Patricia Huckfeldt Hueftle. They made their home in McCook. Ron and Pat worked together at the insurance office and enjoyed spending time together riding motorcycles, four-wheelers, traveling and family.

Ron was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, past member of the McCook Jaycee's and the Republican River Riders Motorcycle Club.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Penner; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Marvin and Melba Huckfeldt; and step-father, Wally Brenning.

Ron is survived by Pat, his wife of 25 years; mother Edith Brenning, McCook; daughters Suzette (Dave) Stratton, of LaDora, Iowa, and Mechele Jennings (fiance Kevin Harris) of Hastings, Nebraska; sons, Todd Hueftle and Chad Hueftle, both of McCook; his grandchildren, Brian Lee and Heather Marie Stratton, Jordyn Elizabeth Penner and Brendan Joel Jennings, Casey Dawn (Zac) Hueftle-Miller, Zachary Arlus and Quinton James Hueftle; Tyler Richard, Taytem Joel and Ellianna Rose Hueftle; and great-grandchildren Ty Alan and Kaylee Dawn Miller. Also surviving him are his brother, Gary Penner and companion Maria Rojas of Mesquite, Texas; sisters, Janice Eby and long time companion, Sam Amenta of Omaha and Patricia (Brent) Schluntz of Oxford; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Charles and Bonnie Nelson of Omaha. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

Visitation will be Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011, from 1-8 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m.

A Celebration of His Life will be held Friday, Dec. 16, 2011, 10:30 a.m., at Peace Lutheran Church with Pastor Tom Albertson, officiating. Burial will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements