Edith M. (Penner) Brenning

Edith Madeline (Penner) Brenning

Oct. 24, 1918 - Aug. 10, 2013

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Madeline (Penner) Brenning departed this life on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2013, at Community Hospital in McCook, Nebraska, at the age of 94 years old.

Edith was born on Oct. 24, 1918, in Arcadia, Nebraska, to James E. (Ed) and Dorcas (Peck) Rains, the sixth of nine children. The family moved to Giltner, Nebraska, in 1924 where she completed 12 years of education at the Giltner Public Schools and graduated with the class of 1936.

Edith was united in marriage on Dec. 24, 1938, to Lawrence G. (Joe) Penner. Four children were born to this union, Gary, Ronald, Jannice and Patricia. They made their home in Hastings, Nebraska, until 1950, when they moved to Cambridge and then on to Bartley, Nebraska, in 1952. Joe passed away in 1967, and Edith and her two daughters moved to McCook in 1969, where she worked as head cashier for Hinky Dinky and Country Corner grocery stores. In 1973, Edith married Walter (Wally) Brenning and they resided in McCook until 1990, when they moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. Wally passed away in 1999, and Edith continued to live in Lincoln until 2006, when cancer and declining health brought her back to Hidden Pines and Hillcrest in McCook.

Edith was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Bartley, the First Congregational Church in McCook and the United Methodist Church in Lincoln. She was diligent at gardening of all kinds, baking and canning, sewing and needlework and caring for her family. She was a devoted wife and a loving mother and grandmother. She was sharp and witty and enjoyed all sorts of puzzles, cards and game shows. She loved to read just about everything and she liked to travel. She was also an avid Husker football fan. She had a beautiful soul and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Preceding her in death were her parents; five sisters, two brothers and all their spouses; both husbands, a step-son, Gerald (Jerry) Brenning; and most recently, her dear son, Ron Penner, in 2011.

Survivors are son, Gary Penner and companion Maria Rojas of Mesquite, Texas; daughter-in-law, Patricia Penner of McCook; daughter, Jan Eby and companion Sam Amenta of Papillion, Nebraska; daughter, Patricia and husband, Brent Schluntz of Oxford, Nebraska; one remaining sister, Mabel and husband, Neil Ruebsamen of Grand Island, Nebraska; sisters-in-laws, Evalyn Haynes of Richardson, Texas, Joanne Klabunde and husband, Glenn, MerraDean Sedlacek and husband George, all of Omaha, Nebraska; Dorothy Grosskopf and Jean Brenning, both of McCook; brother-in-laws, Lester Penner of Omaha, Glen Penner and wife, Marilyn of Sacramento, California; step-sons, Stan Brenning of Lincoln and Brad Brenning and wife, Cindy of Olathe, Kansas; step daughter-in-law, Cindy (Gerald) Brenning of Lincoln; grandchildren, Brian Penner and wife, Stephanie of Italy, Texas, Karin Penner and companion, Markus White of Dallas, Texas, Suzette Stratton and husband, Dave of Ladora, Iowa, Mechele Harris and husband, Kevin of North Platte, Nebraska, Zachary Svoboda of Omaha, Rochelle Kemp and husband, Travis, Bridget Krolikowski and husband, Tyson, all of Kearney, Rachel Brenning of Chicago, Illinois, Bryan Brenning of Fort Collins, Colorado, Carie Eisenberg and husband, Eric of Aurora, Colorado, Todd Hueftle and wife, Billie, and Chad Hueftle, all of McCook; numerous great-grandchildren, extended family and friends.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, at Carpenter Breland Funeral Chapel in McCook with Jerry Beckenhauer officiating. A graveside burial service will also be at 3:30 p.m. at the Harvard, Nebraska, cemetery.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements. Please visit our website at www.carpenterbreland.com to sign our online guest book or leave a message of condolence for the family.