Daniel Kornel Penkala

Daniel “Dan” Kornel Penkala of Saginaw

Loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother passed away in his home in Saginaw on Friday, January 6th, 2023, at the age of 80. Born in Bay City, Michigan, on October 10th, 1942, to the late Joe & June (Cole) Penkala, Dan was a 1960 graduate of Handy High School. After completing high school, Dan proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserve. He worked for some time as a draftsman for Thompson Design, but it would be an understatement to say that Dan’s life revolved around music. He loved music and loved to teach it to anyone that wanted to learn to play guitar. He spent many years as a music professor at SVSU. He taught students of all ages, whether in the classroom or in his private studio in Saginaw Township, Michigan. Earlier in life, Dan performed with local musicians in the Saginaw area and even had the privilege of sharing the stage with such greats as Johnny Cash, Ferlin Husky, & Skeeter Davis, though he was a humble man who would rather sit in the corner, preferring to be heard rather than seen. It was while sharing his music with the world that he had the chance to meet Judy Dubois. Judy’s sister set the two up and before you knew it, the pair were married and had a family on the way. Judy survives him. When not playing his beloved guitar (among other instruments), Dan enjoyed spending his free time repairing musical instruments and sharing glimpses of the night’s sky with his children. 

Dan is survived by his wife of many years, Judy Penkala; sons Dale Penkala and Korey Penkala; grandsons Alex Penkala and Austin Penkala; and sisters Patience Griffin, Louise Wakefield, and June Coonan; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, friends, and countless students who continue to share the music Dan inspired them with.

Dan was preceded in death by brothers David Penkala and Raymond Penkala.

Funeral services for Dan will take place at 3:00pm on Friday, January 13th, 2023, at W.L. Case & Company, 4480 Mackinaw Rd. Saginaw. Visitation will take place at the funeral home from 11:00am until the time of service. Those wanting to make a show of their sympathy may wish to consider a contribution to St. John Paul II Parish. Please share your thoughts, prayers, and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.