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Brian Penisten Obituary

SPC. BRIAN HAMILTON PENISTEN, 28, died Sunday Nov. 2, 2003, in Iraq. He was a Specialist with the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Carson, Colo., serving in Iraq. He was a member of St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church and a 1993 graduate of Bishop Dwenger High School. Survivors include parents, John and Mona Penisten of Fort Wayne; four-year-old son, Trevor of Fort Wayne; fiancee, Johanna Loia of Pueblo, Colo.; grandparents, Imogene Brake and Everett and LaPaloma Shull Sr., all of Fort Wayne; aunts, uncles and cousins. Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m. Tuesday, with calling one hour prior, at St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church, 1502 E. Wallen Road. Calling is also from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, with Vigil Service at 8 p.m., at D.O. McComb & Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 E. Dupont Road. Burial with full military honors in Highland Park Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Donations may be made at any Bank One branch to the Trevor Penisten Educational Trust Fund.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Nov. 8, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian Penisten

Not sure what to say?





Charlie Gili

January 21, 2018

Hello,
We realize that we are very late to express our deepest condolences, but we wanted to let your family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and we'll be dedicating several of these to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and the hometown of Brian H. Penisten US Army Specialist. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.

Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

Alsad, Iraq 2003-2004

Alonza Wallace

September 11, 2012

A fallen comrade, fellow soldier, battle buddy, and friend. I remember SPC Penisten. SSG Alonza L. Wallace (retired)

Alonza Wallace

September 11, 2012

Vicki Wolfe Brown

April 23, 2012

Mona and John, I think of you so often especially every time a service person is killed. I guess I need to just call you.. Cn't believe it has been 9 years. Mom died Jan 2011 and she saved every thing, me too found pictures of old times!!! We sure did have fun didn't we. I have tried to find you on FB left a message on some Mona Penisten but no answer. I am on face book Vicki Wolfe Brown and my e-mail is [email protected] Would love to her from you. I am still working at the Health Dept. Ryan our son is a funeral director. When in school in Richmond he had a clssmate who also lost a son. She wrote the book When Johnny Doesn't Come Marching Home Again. Love and Prayers to you and John> How is Trevor doing? Please contct me.

Charo Garlitz

December 13, 2011

Thinking of Brian today. Not sure why.
Bishop Dwenger '95

October 17, 2011

I went to Dwenger With Brian and was on the wrestling team with him our freshmen year. I am stationed at Fort Stewart Ga and Was out of no where thinking about him today! God Bless you Brian and your family! Strength and Honor!

Melissa Wheeler

May 26, 2011

Just thinking of Brian as Memorial Day approaches. We keep his memory alive here at Bishop Dwenger High School. Having been a friend of Brian's in high school, I have the opportunity to keep his picture visible and tell my students about him. This Memorial Day we will again be cleaning the area around the tree here at Dwenger that was planted in his honor. As in year's past, we will again replace the flag there to help all remember Brian's life and sacrifice. God bless.

January 22, 2010

Hi there my Brian!! I still and will forever miss you and love you and we will be together again one day!! My promise of forever I will never break I love you baby now and for all eternity!! You baby, are my Jack and I am your Rose and the heart of the ocean is the dogtags you gave me that I still have and will always have!! I love you so much!! Go Colts!!

Love always and foever,
Your fiance (wife)
Johnna

Kenna

December 21, 2009

”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,850 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we care.
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna

Carol Halliman

November 11, 2009

Thinking of you today, Veteran's Day, and of your family. You would be very proud of how they are handling things. They were certainly proud of you.

October 5, 2009

hi my brian!! Gosh I miss you so much I always have and always will not one day goes by to where I dont think about you and miss you and of course love you so so much!! You are my soul mate and my promise of forever I will always always keep to you!! I love you baby always and forever and 4 all eternity!!
Love you so so much and miss you

Johnna

tonisha

TONISHA DEAGO

January 26, 2009

HEY BRIAN. WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU DEARLY. THANK YOU FOR ALL THE HAPPINESS YOU BROUGHT INTO MY LIFE. I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT YOU ARE THE ONE WHO BROUGHT ME AND RICK TOGETHER. WE LOVE YOU BRO.

In Memory of Brian ~ (Debra Estep)

November 2, 2008

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”


I did not know Brian, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

nj

October 25, 2008

Reading about Brian, I am so sorry for the loss and want his family to know that he is thought about daily. May Gd rest his lovely soul. I pray that you all can persevere, knowing that many feel the loss with you.

Becky Coy

June 29, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we thank god everyday for brave men & women like your soldier for defending our country. We are building a wall in honor of all those who have lost their lives in Iraq & Afghanistan. It's called Wall of Heroes. If you would like more information please contact me at [email protected].

janice cook

May 5, 2008

I am so very sorry for your loss.

Mona Penisten

March 8, 2008

Thank you all for remembering our son. May God Bless each of you and all those protecting our freedom. John and Mona Penisten

January 3, 2008

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Spc Penisten!

January 3, 2008

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Spc Penisten and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

August 6, 2007

I don't pretend to know what to say or do that would bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.

Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.

I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON (KIA on 07/06/07) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.

REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY

gary Allain

April 26, 2007

Spc. Brian H. Penisten
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.

robert slezak

March 29, 2007

remembering spc. brian penisten...on that sad day..nov 7 2003...i was his driver from dover air force base to philly air port with his escort sgt melvin carr...( WITH MUCH LOVEING CARE )we put him on the plane to go home ...sincerest heartfelt condolences ....robert slezak..... ( [email protected])...

Johnna Penisten

March 25, 2007

Hi everyone!! Just wanted to say keep sending those messages!! All of fallen soldiers need to be remembered!!

I love you my Brian!! My My promise of forever I will always keep!!
'I Miss My Friend'
Love you forever
Johnna Penisten

Tara Berlin

March 13, 2007

Brian will never get a chance to know me as I him. However during the peace walk on March 18th 2007 in Albany NY, I will be walking speciffically to remember this brave man who died while serving for his country.I am truly sorry for the families tragic loss of their son, father, husband, nephew, cousin, grandson.
Brain will always be remembered as a HERO. May he rest in peace. Please know that Brians bravery has not been forgotten.

Garnet Jenkins

November 2, 2006

Paying tribute to Spc. Brian H. Penisten, on this 3rd anniversary of the day he lost his life while serving our Country, with a Great Amount of Thanks for his Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.
May Brian rest, in the Caring Hands of God and know that he Truly is an American Hero.
May God's Loving Grace and Comfort continue to be with the Penisten family.
Those who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
My brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.

"And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes,
there shall be no more death,
nor sorrow, nor crying,
there shall be no more pain.
For the former things have have passed away."
Revelations 21:4


May you find strength in your faith, comfort in God's love, and peace in knowing this country remembers Brian's Sacrifice.
I am deeply sorry for your loss.

Johnna Penisten

August 6, 2006

This is Johnna Penisten Brian's wife and I want to say thank you so much to all the people who have written their condolences. I love my Brian very much and I know that he loves me and I also know that we

will see each other agian one day

and that is the only thing that gives me hope. I miss you and LOVE YOu so much my Brian!!

"I Miss My Friend"

Love you baby,

your wife, Johnna

Suzanna Phillips

May 6, 2006

Brian you were always there for me especially when I was going through rough times when I pregnant of my first child Jordan. I was pregnant with 2nd son when I heard what happened to you and in your memory I named him after you. He has certain qualities that remind me of you such as his cockiness and he is always happy and smiling.

I still dream of you just hanging out with all of us only to wake up and realize your gone. Brian you will be in my heart and never be forgotten. Thank you for everything you have done for me.

Amalia Cerbin

February 17, 2006

To the fiancee and family of SPC Penisten-

I know of your loss and I know it happened a few years ago, but I wonder if time ever really heals such a loss. I just lost my fiancee one month ago today to an IED incident in Hawijah, Iraq. My heart goes out to you all and I pray you have all made the best of your lives in memory of Brian, We will never forget their sacrifices...

Teri Blair-Silvestri

December 8, 2005

To the Family of Brian,

The Blair family would like to send our condolences and take the time to thank Brian for all he was doing. May God Bless you all and all our boys that are over there.

john and mona Penisten

November 11, 2005

We want to thank you for all your caring thoughts and prayers. It means so much to learn how Brian,our son touched you all.but remember you all touched him as well.Brian leaves a lot for his son to hold dear. Thank you again and God Bless

Justin Stubler

October 27, 2005

I have sent letters to Ft. Carson looking for a way to give my condolences, I am truly sorry this happened to you, you were a great soldier who taught me allot of values. If it wasn't for you I would never have met Melissa (my wife), or learn how to go camping, or how to play Poker, or how to eat Zatarans and Chili. Those are the things I miss and the memories I will always cherish. I think of you all the time, I love you man.
Justin

Johnna Loia - Penisten

October 1, 2005

Hi!! I would like to say thank you to all the people who have and are still sending their condolences of the tragic passing of my Brian. It means more to me his wife then anyone will ever know Thank You!!

I miss my Brian more and more everyday and my love and my heart is his forever.

"I Miss My Friend"

I Love You

My Brian

Johnna

Alex Lees

June 24, 2005

Bryan you were my brother, the only person who saw me as an equal partner, I got Odd Monstrosity tatooed on my arm with your name. I got to say goodbye to you in a dream a while ago, I cryed again for a while. I miss you so much, I miss you

Johnna Loia / Penisten

May 24, 2005

I will always LOVE YOU my Brian and my heart is eternally yours and only yours!!! MY promise of forever I will always keep. You are my hero and I am so proud of you!

Keith Webster

May 23, 2005

Well done, Brave Rifle.

Stephen Young

November 17, 2003

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Penisten and family,

My sincere condolences and prayers are with you. I think Brian had admirable qualities like the unwillingness to back to down, or to give up and the drive to see things through. These things were evident when I went to school with him at Dwenger. I can see Brian standing up for what he believes matters most. I was active duty Navy and currently in the Air Guard and know first hand the personal sacrifices our servicemen and women endure. I want to thank you for you gift of Brian and I will continue to pray for him, your family, his son and fiancee. May God bless you during this difficult time. Your son did make a difference in this world and he will be sorely missed.

Bill & Mary Beth Geist

November 13, 2003

John & Mona,

I am so sorry to hear about Brian.We always enjoyed seeing him wrestle. He had so much energy. You are in our prayers.

Kurt and Sue Wagner

November 11, 2003

Our prayers and thoughts go out to you at your time of need.

Although I am not sure that you would remember me, I am the person that hired Brian when no one else would. I was his manager at Burger King. And I know that you have talked with my mother as well, who you have a friend in common.

We give you our sympathy and are keeping you in our thoughts.

Michele Geist-Hoopengardner

November 10, 2003

Mr. and Mrs. Penisten,

I am so sorry for your loss. Brian and I went to Dwenger together. I graduated in 1992, but I was a mat rat for the wrestling team my junior and senior year. The thing I remember most about Brian was his energy, if I was having a bad day he would always cheer me up with his explosive energy. He always seemed happiest when he was wrestling. Your family is in my prayers.

Bonnie Allen

November 7, 2003

I just wanted to say that your family is in my prayers. I'm just a stranger that happened to see your son's name on the high school sign and looked it up on the internet. I cried for half an hour and I can't possibly imagine the pain you're suffering during this tragic time. Please accept my condolences for your loss.

Rhonda & Curt Irven

November 7, 2003

You know our prayers are with you and that

we love you guys. Even when we are not

with you, the three of you are always on

on our mind and in our heart.





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