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Dennis Israel Penner M.D.

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University of Michigan

Dennis Penner Obituary

On January 19, 2024, Dr. Dennis Israel Penner died at the age of 75, surrounded by family in the hospital where he made rounds for more than 30 years.Born and raised in Detroit, Dennis grew up with his beloved older sisters, Sheila Lederman, Linda Sandler, and Susan Chupack. He received his medical degree from the University of Michigan, where he also completed his residency training in internal medicine. After 30 years in Michigan, he grew tired of rough winters and, inspired by the warm sunshine he saw every year watching the Rose Bowl, he made his way to California and settled in the Bay Area where he was a primary care physician for 45 years. He retired recently, only as his health started to decline. His love of practicing medicine was matched by his love of golf, Michigan sports, and his family: his wife, Jill, and their three children, Doug (Delena), Carolyn, and Jack (Christine), along with their granddaughter Geneva. The family will host a memorial reception on Friday, February 9. Please contact them for details. They also wish to extend a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Good Samaritan Hospital for their care and compassion. Memorial donations can be made to First Tee - Silicon Valley.

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Published by Mercury News from Jan. 24 to Jan. 28, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Penner

Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.

20 Entries

Laury Shayne

June 26, 2025

My husband and I left the bay area in 2003 to retire to Arizona. I was searching for my former doctors to see if they were still practicing medicine, when I came across Dr. Penner's obituary. We just loved him, and share very
very fond memories. He was one of the good ones. So sorry for your loss.

Donna Gerhard

January 20, 2025

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

KoolJoe

December 25, 2024

Finding this so bazaar that this gentleman who shares the name with a relative of mine that I am looking up for personal reasons and I happen to notice that HE BEARS a striking resemblance to ROB BONTA! Well, I hope this is not offensive or anything! I had an uncle named Dennis Penner before...

CAROLYN SCHIRO

December 18, 2024

I WAS JUST THINKING OF DR. PENNER THE OTHER DAY. I WAS HIS PATIENT
FOE ALMOST 40 YEARS WE GREW OLD TOGETHER. MY HUSBAND LOVED HIM. WE SEEN HIM AS A FRIEND. I MISS HIM AND FEEL HOW GOOD NO ONE WILL TAKE HIS PLACE. WE ARE OLDER AND FELT HE WOULD SEE US OUT OF HERE. WE KNOW HOW YOU FEEL AS WE LOST A DAUGHTER 17 YEARS AGO. YOU NEVER FORGET BUT IT DOES GET SOFTER AND THEN THE MEMORIES OF YOUR LOVED ONE BRINGS HAPPY MEMORIES TO THE FAMILY. FIRST CHRISTMAS IS HARD. BEST WISHES CAROLYN SCHIRO

William Lewis

February 12, 2024

I just found out today about the passing of Dennis. Stunned and saddened, I must express how dearly and deeply he will be missed. I worked with Dennis since beginning my practice in the area 30 years ago. We shared countless patients over the years. He was a consummate physician and gentleman. My condolences to his wife and children. You can be very proud of him, as I am sure he was of you.

Reed Larsen

February 9, 2024

My golfing buddy for 30 years Will miss you friend

Janice Ybarrondo

February 7, 2024

Dr. Penner was my physician for many years until 2014 when I moved out of state. He was such an excellent doctor and I missed his good care. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in their loss.

Donna Gerhard

Sent Flowers

Diane Bahr

January 30, 2024

Dennis, (Denny when we were kids), and I, played together out on the street where we grew up as kids. We were very young and we spent countless hours over the years engaging in any number of activities. One of my favorite memories was of us impersonating "Spin and Marty while galloping on our imaginary horses. I can picture us now. We would often go to the U of D high school baseball field and play catch. Dennis was such an intragal part of my childhood and I counted him as a very good and important friend. Those memories run deep. As we reached adolescent our paths separated. The last time I saw Dennis was at an elevator in the basement of the U of M medical center where I was working as a Respiratory therapist and he was a resident there. I moved to the bay area soon after as he did later. I have fond memories of the entire Northlawn Penner family. Dennis was a kind kid who grew into a kind and compassionate man.

My deepest condolences go out to Dennis' entire family.

Cris Williams

January 29, 2024

I was introduced to Dr. Penner via MDvip 11 years ago. He did my yearly check-ups and saw me through numerous cycling injuries. I loved biking from Santa Cruz to his office and back for many check ups. it was my own challenge. Natasha was great as well, loved seeing her too.
the last visit I had with him, I asked if he was retiring any time soon. He said no. He said he enjoyed being a doctor and coming to work... and his wife didn't want him around the house anyway. what a great guy! I am going to miss him and Natasha and that little office of theirs. Dang. I can't believe this has happened. My condolences go out to the family, who I only met via seeing their lovely photos in his office.
We will met again in the sprit world someday and have a good chat.
Love,
Cris Williams

Sue Roberts

January 28, 2024

Dr Penner cared for my parents from the time he began practicing in Los Gatos until their passing in 2014 and 2017. He was much loved by the entire family for his compassionate care, medical skill and sense of humor. Condolences to his family. .

Steven Johnson

January 26, 2024

I am sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences. As a physician I can say he was loved and trusted by his patients. He was my personal physician for many years. He is a man who will be missed.

Sherri Allen

January 26, 2024

I am so sorry for your loss. I worked as a receptionist for Dr. Penner when he was with San Jose Medical Group years ago. He was also my husbands physician.
Dr. Penner was a compassionate, and a wonderful doctor. I always felt his patients were in very good hands.
Sending my condolences to his wife, Jill, his children and grandchild.

Patty Rich

January 26, 2024

My heart felt condolences to the family. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Lauren (Gardner) Monroe

January 24, 2024

I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to the whole family during this difficult time.

- Lauren Monroe (Gardner), former babysitter for Doug, Carolyn and Jack . . . many years ago.

Martha S. Menestrina

January 24, 2024

Very sad to hear this news. Dr. Penner was a kind, gentle and caring doctor. He will be missed. I was his patient for many years.

Jon Schechter

January 24, 2024

I got to know Dennis fairly well, as I practiced medical oncology in San Jose for almost 30 years. He was not just a great physician, respected by his peers and loved by his patients, but a true gentleman at all times. Please accept my sincerest condolences.
Jon Schechter

Carolyn Schiro

January 24, 2024

WAS A SHOCK. DR. PENNER WAS MY DOCTOR FOR OVER 30+ YEARS. DR. PENNER WAS ONE OF A KIND. I WILL MISS HIM AS A DEAR FRIEND.
MY BEST TO HIS FAMILY CAROLYN SCHIRO

Martha Menestrina

Planted Trees

Martha Menestrina

January 24, 2024

So sad to read the news of Dr. Penner's passing this morning. I was his patient for many years. He was a gentle, concerned doctor and will be missed. Many thanks.

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