Kevin PENNE Obituary

Died on May 27, 2020, of natural causes at a local St. Paul hospital. Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Catherine Penne. He is survived by 4 siblings: Michael (Rachel) Penne, John (Marty) Penne, Mary Jo (Larry) Schreiber and Thomas (Gretchen) Penne. Kevin also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as valued friends, neighbors and former colleagues and coworkers. Kevin has been a lifelong resident of St. Paul, attending Nativity Grade School, Cretin High School, and the University of Minnesota, where he earned an Associate of Arts Degree. Kevin spent the majority of his working years as a valued employee of the Burlington Northern Railway in St. Paul, in their Accounting Department. Having grown up in a railroad family, Kevin greatly enjoyed being part of a long tradition of "railroaders". After his retirement, Kevin enjoyed volunteering at the Twin Cities Model Railroad Museum. Kevin also had a love of traveling, taking many trips with both friends and family to various historic destinations throughout the United States. Kevin was our Family Historian, with vast knowledge of World History, U.S. History, and Family History and Genealogy. Kevin loved to search for information at the Minnesota Historical Society, with family and friends. Kevin was an unforgettable person, offering kindness and compassion to those most vulnerable. He put the needs of others before his own, even while undergoing many challenging medical procedures throughout his lifetime. Kevin was a much beloved, valued family member, never to be replaced by another. We will hold him in our hearts forever, taking time to tell those he has left behind his unique story of courage and compassion in the face of daunting physical challenges. God Speed you on your way, Dear Family Member, Loving Friend, Treasured Neighbor, and Loyal Community Member. Private Family Interment. A Celebration of Kevin's Life will be scheduled at a later date.

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Published by Pioneer Press on May 31, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Kevin PENNE

Sponsored by St Paul Pioneer Press.

2 Entries

Tom Dethmers

July 7, 2020

Hello, and my condolences to all of Kevin's family. He and I worked together many years ago in Minneapolis at Northtown Yard on the BN Railroad. It was my first 3 years of a now 31 year career, and Kevin was always a big, help in the beginning with my many questions about different jobs we had in common. He was a kind, man and was always interesting to talk with. I saw him a number of times over the years after I moved to Fargo and then Fort Worth, TX and I wish I had gotten more time to spend with him. I could tell he had a big, heart and we shared a lot of stories about railroading, and other topics. I hope his memory will help all of you through this hard, time and I am glad I got to know him.

Leo Philben

June 21, 2020

I was saddened to hear of Kevin's recent passing.

My name is Leo Philben, I was a High School classmate of Kevin's at Cretin. In fact, I had the great honor for four years to follow Kevin alphabetically in all the roll calls. For four years "Penne" was followed by "Philben."

As I recall now these years later, the only times I didn't see Kevin or hear "Penne" followed by "Philben" were in the military "Gig" lines, while I awaited my fate for my many infractions and transgressions. Kevin seemed to skillfully by-pass those roll calls. (No doubt due to his better judgement and superior intelligence over mine which kept him out of those roll calls - - :) ).

I enjoyed reading about Kevin and his life-long passion for railroading and railroad history in Minnesota. A common bond between Kevin, his family history, and mine is railroading in Minnesota. My paternal grandmother was a former chamber maid in the Hill family mansions, where my grandfather was a railroader, and served as the Hill family's Summer home gardener when between railroad jobs.

There is an old church hymn that speaks of a future roll call awaiting us all - - - with words something like ". . . when the roll is called up yonder I'll be there, . . . " I look forward to that final roll call, the one that counts for all time, when for one last time "Penne" will be followed by "Philben" in the roll call which counts most.

I do pray for all of Kevin's family, and those friends left behind, that you receive an extra portion of Jesus' strength, grace and mercy through your grieving and sorrow.

Leo Philben
Cretin High School, Class of 1970

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