Gerhard F. Penner

December 25, 1933 - January 26, 2021

Gerhard (Gary) Penner 87, of Richmond, IL passed away peacefully on January 26, 2021.   He was born in Barendt, Free City of Danzig, Germany on Dec. 25, 1933 to Hans and Helene (Driedger) Penner. Gary was raised on the family farm, until they immigrated to Kansas in 1954.   While in Kansas, he attended school, farmed and built silos.  Gary then moved to Chicago, IL and worked as a machinist at Salerno Bakery in Niles, IL for 29 years.   Gary enjoyed outdoor activities such as yardwork with his wife, camping/biking with his children. Gary could fix just about anything, a trait that he passed to his children.   He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.   Gary married Irma Diener on May 26, 1983 in Arlington Heights, IL.   Preceding him in death were his parents, brothers Kurt, Horst and Lothar (Hannelore) and step-son David.   Gary was a loving husband, father and Opa.  Survivors include his wife: Irma; sons Kurt (Suzy) Penner, Arnie (Beth) Penner; step-daughter Kate Nelson; 8 grandchildren: Nicolette (Taylor) Cross, Brittany Bennett, Katie Penner, Luke Penner, Kyle Penner, Maggie Penner, Daniel Nelson and Audrey Nelson.   In lieu of flowers, enjoy a breakfast out with your children/grandchildren as this was Opa’s favorite thing to do.   Memorial visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Thursday June 3, 2021 at Ehorn-Adams Funeral Home 10011 Main St Richmond, IL with Rev. Timothy Oswald officiating. Inurnment will follow at Richmond Cemetery. For information, please call 815 678-7311 or visit www.ehornadams.com.