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Lawrence J. "Larry" Penn

FUNERAL HOME

Brett Funeral Home - Milwaukee

2001 West Wisconsin Avenue

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Lawrence Penn Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Lawrence J. "Larry" Penn
Start: 2014-10-19T22:30:00.000Z
End: 2014-10-20T01:30:00.000Z
Location: Anodyne Coffee Roaster

Penn, Lawrence J. 'Larry' Folk Singer-songwriter Larry Penn caught the Westbound on Tues., October 7, 2014 at the age of 87. Larry was best known for his folk music but was also a Union Man - Poet - Song Writer - Story Teller - Historian - Activist - Truck Driver - Guitar Player - Wob - Artist - Lover of trains - Toy Maker - Singer - Wood Artisan - Member of the Rose Tattoo - Teamster - Humorist - a True, Honest, Faithful Man and Great Father. He was deeply cherished and will be sorely missed by his wife of 62 years, Pat (Joan Patricia Carlin); daughters Geneviève, Nancy, Teresa (Lyle Kraning) Penn and Sharon (James) Monahan; and son Alex Penn, who inspired much of his music. He is survived by his Grandchildren Ryan (Anne) Packard, Benjamin and Matthew Ricca, Steven Hafeman, Casey (Jean) Alexander, Sean and Sophia Monahan and great-grandson Moses Packard. Further survived by dear friends Lil Rev, Rod Eglash, Bob Suckiel, Ken Germanson and many, many others. He was preceded in death by his parents Alexander and Eleanor (Robinson) Penn; two brothers; a sister; and Grandson Lyle Kraning. Memorials to the Larry Penn Memorial Fund at Tri City National Bank to keep Larry's music alive and for the care of Larry's son and would be greatly appreciated. A celebration of his life will be held on Sun., Oct. 19, 2014 at 5:30 - 8:30 PM at Anodyne Coffee Roaster, 224 W. Bruce St., Milwaukee. Brett Funeral Home serving the family.

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

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Oct. 15, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Penn

Sponsored by Brett Funeral Home - Milwaukee.

17 Entries

April 13, 2016

I wish I'd known- I would have been there!

Here's to Larry and the wonderful music he touched us with!

Katie Schroven

Marilyn Townsend

April 12, 2016

Dear Pat:

Fred and I continue to play Larry's songs as we drive along -- I see the twinkle in Larry's eyes as he sings the "Danville girl." --

And as he sings about "Catching the Westbound" I think how appropriate it is --

Larry's Milwaukee memorial was wonderful -- all the musicians that turned out -- and the stories! what a tribute to our friend Larry.

Love. Marilyn

(Marilyn Townsend and Fred Wade, Madison, WI).

April 11, 2016

Dear Pat and family,

I just now learned of Larry's passing. My heartfelt sympathies. What a guy! I know he is very much missed and loved.
Do you remember me? from the old Id and Eggo days on the east side? Yes, another folky. I think of Larry, Bill and Rod from time to time. And Carl too. I hope Larry was not ill for long. He and I exchanged a few emails over the last few years. I am grateful for that.

Katie Schroven

Bruce Cole

July 22, 2015

We miss you Larry

Jay Hoffman

October 23, 2014

Larry had many friends throughout the country.
We had him to ourselves at least once a year for the last 30+ years. He was a regular at The Hobo Hootenanny in Bangor Wisconsin and a couple other venues. He was always the one who stole the show, and stayed to watch every performer. I would contact him every so often and tell him "I need a Larry fix, where are you playing"? He would tell me and I would travel to see him. Our hearts go out to Pat and his family. We will always Cherish Larry and his music. From all of us at the Bangor Hobo Hoot and the Driftless area of Wisconsin. I will always need a Larry Fix.

October 21, 2014

Deepest Sympathy to All the Family, and Thank you Larry!!! Blessings on your journey! Maureen & Johann McElderry/Brentrup

October 18, 2014

Prayers and fond memories to the entire Penn Family. I went to grade school at St. Veronica's with Nancy. My folks Jim and Rita Olson were good friends with Larry and Pat "back in the day". Larry helped me learn to play the 12 string guitar. My mom passed on last May so I am sure she, Jerry Weber and Jim Groppi have welcomed home.

Baltimore Red

October 17, 2014

The Labor Movement and the working class have suffered the loss of a very special Fellow Worker. Brother Larry will certainly be missed. Larry Penn, presente!

Marilyn Townsend

October 16, 2014

Larry is a Treasure. As Larry would sing "it always hurts to lose a good friend, it don't matter if four score and ten." My love to Pat.

October 16, 2014

Nancy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. His music is a gift that lives on. Love Diann Simmmons

Joanie Stepanski

October 15, 2014

Nancy and family: Please accept my deepest sympathy, good wishes, and prayers as you travel this difficult road. I was just a young teen hanging out with Nancy when I first encountered Mr. Penn. I have never forgotten him, even though I haven't seen him in years. Please know I am thinking of all of you.

Kris Weeks

October 15, 2014

Teri and Nancy: I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending lots of love, hugs and prayers your way.

Sparky Rucker

October 15, 2014

Will MISS, Larry, Pat. Our DEEPEST Sympathy and Prayers! Much LOVE

Sparky & Rhonda Rucker

Peter Berryman

October 15, 2014

Our deepest condolences to Larry's family and friends. Larry was a treasured inspiration to us as we worked our way through the weird world of songwriting and performing. His writing skills were enormous and his performing was a thrill to behold. His droll humor was always right on the money. We will dearly and deeply miss him. All our love to Pal and all others who loved Larry.