Charles Lee "Charlie" Penner

1923 - 2015

Charles Lee Penner, (Charlie) was born to Frank and Nada Penner in Grey, OK. He was born on Dec. 10, 1923, and was the third of 10 children. Charlie passed away on January 9, 2015 in Lodi, at the age of 91 years old. Charlie was raised in Coalinga, CA. In his teens, Charlie worked at gas stations.  Later he served in the United States Navy during WWII. Charlie married Ruth Hallett on January 22, 1949. They were married 66 years. Fourteen years ago they moved to Lodi. Charlie is survived by his wife, Ruth, son Thom Penner, daughter Diane Belew and son-in-law Roger Belew, 6 grandchildren and 2 great granddaughters. He is also survived by two sisters, Annamae Lincoln, Nancy Chernoff Mahrer, two brothers, Frank and Don Penner, sister and brother-in-law, Patsy, Bill Abby (his best friend), brother-in-law Richard Mahrer and sister-in-law's Charlotte and Fran Penner. Charlie is preceded in death by his daughter Sharon Donato, two sisters, four brothers, his parents and mother-in-law. During Charlie's life, he worked in trucking and then in 1969, he and Ruth started their own business, Salt Trans-portation. In 1985, due to Charlie's ill health, he and Ruth retired. Charlie loved to travel in his airstream trailer with his wife and kids. They belonged to Wally Byrum Caravaners club for many years.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 23, 2015 at 11:00 AM. at Vinewood Community Church, 1900 W. Vine St., Lodi CA
We would like to give a special thank you to Bristal Hospice in Stockton. They have the most wonderful people working there, and they make you feel so supported during this time. Beverly, Megan, Stephanie, Billy, and Kim, a special thank you, to you, for being there for us. I do not know how we would have done it without you. Please sign the guestbook online at www.cherokeememorial.com