Robert Michael "Mike" Penne

1947 - 2026

In the early morning of January 13, 2026, Mike Penne gained his angel wings for the final time on earth. On August 31, 1947, Mike was born as Robert Michael Penne to Lloyd and Margaret Penne in Minot, North Dakota. Mike was the oldest and had four siblings, Jim, Lee, Judy, and Eddie. In June of 1958, the family moved from Minot to Laurel, Montana. Mike was very active in the Boy Scouts of America and earned his Eagle Scout on November 18, 1964. Mike graduated from Laurel High School in 1966 and decided to try the "Big City" life and accepted a job interning at the FBI in Washington, DC. Mike discovered very quickly that he hated the city and came back home to Montana.

Mike met and married Connie Sheldon on July 15, 1967, and they had three children, Lloyd, Michelle, and Jason. Mike worked as a parts man (runner), auto body man for numerous dealerships until his mom and dad bought and opened Modern Auto Body Shop. Mike also found his passion in operating a tow truck for Steinhart Wrecker Service until he purchased the business and Modern Auto Wrecker Service was created.

Mike and Connie were dedicated to their community and their family and over the years Mike was a Boy Scout Leader, boys baseball coach, girls softball coach and he also became a member of the Laurel Police Reserve. Mike and Connie purchased Modern Auto from his parents and concentrated on their family, their community, and their business. In 1989 they divorced and over the next 6 or so years Mike continued to be active in the community, thrived under the title of grandpa and reconnected with classmates and friends.

On May 26, 1997, Mike married Yvonne Kellogg and they created and became a truly "blended family" when he gladly accepted the role of stepdad to Karen, Mike and Jim. Over the years, Mike and Yvonne have with the help of their first spouses, Connie Miller and Lonnie Kellogg, taught us that family is not necessarily about sharing blood, but the willingness to accept and open your heart to love.

Mike sold the wreckers, closed the shop and retired in the early 2000's and he totally threw himself into his dream jobs of "loving husband", "fix-it Mike" and "grandpa taxi". Mike could talk to anyone with no effort, and he always had a story to tell (his stories will be truly missed). Over the years, the "step" titles have been dropped, and the family has expanded with love being the largest and best lesson he ever taught.

He will be missed by his soulmate & wife, Yvonne, his children and their families: Lloyd (Becky) Penne, Michelle (Steve) Whitmarsh, Jason (Carla) Penne, Karen Kellogg, Mike (Maryanne) Kellogg and Tara (Brandi) Young, his sister: Judy Steinhart, his mother-in-law: Ruth Senn and his family. We expect that his example of love will continue through his 35 grandchildren and his 23 great-grandchildren for generations to come.

Mike was predeceased by his grandparents, his parents (Lloyd & Margaret), his three brothers (Jim, Lee and Eddie) and one son (Jim Kellogg).

Services will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Billings Cremation & Burial Services, 29 8th Street West, Billings, MT 59101.

In lieu of flowers, take a leisurely drive, read a book or give a helping hand in the name of Mike and Yvonne. Our family would like to thank you all for your friendship over the years and Yvonne and us kids want to remind you to open your heart and lead with love, your life will be so much better for it.