Margaret A. Pennings

Margaret Pennings, age 92, of Kimberly, WI, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, surrounded by her loving family while being held in the arms of the Lord.

Margaret was born on April 2, 1933, to George and Johanna (Ver Hallen) Koenen and was raised in Combined Locks, WI. A proud graduate of Kimberly High School, she was the valedictorian of the class of 1951. Margaret went on to work at Kimberly-Clark as a secretary for many years. After that she married and dedicated her life to raising her family and to her faith.

Margaret had a deep love for all animals. Her cat, Precious, was with her until the end. She had a natural gift for caring for animals, and if she brought home one bird, dog, or hamster, it wasn’t long before she had several more. Her home became a lively menagerie, where it wasn’t uncommon to see her vacuuming with a cockatiel on her shoulder and canaries perched on her head. Her two parrots, Rocky and Bobby, would dance and sing along as she performed favorites like “Oh Danny Boy”. Margaret was even known to whistle beautifully.

Margaret so enjoyed music, particularly the songs from church and old time show tunes like Oklahoma and The King and I. There was always music and singing in her home and this love was a blessing that lifted us all during her time of transition as we sang and prayed together.

Her greatest joy, however, came from spending time with her kids, her 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Margaret touched the lives of everyone she met with her kindness. She was known for her sense of humor, her generosity and she was always the first person to call when in need of cheering up or a gentle, unconditional listening ear. Even after she moved to assisted living and then long-term care, she looked out for the new friends around her without fail… or reaching out to someone who was feeling sad and lonely. Mom helped people feel loved and valued. Her legacy of compassion and grace lives on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Dear Mama, dearest Gram, we will hold you in our thoughts and in our hearts every day…until we meet again in Heaven. We thank you for all you’ve done to nurture us and for loving so many. You are a blessing. You are the heart and soul of our family. You always led by example. We are forever grateful for your creativity, easy laughter, practical jokes and for just being your unique self!

She is survived by her children: Kerry (Gerard) Pennings, Scott (Karen) Pennings, Val (John) Rohr, and Pam Pennings.

Grandchildren: Jenny (Kyle) Englebert, Jordan Pennings, Amber (Ryan) Searer, Julia Pennings, and Natalie (Cody) Stoltz.

Great-grandchildren: Caydon, Eli & Grayson Englebert, Aaliyah, and Aubree Searer, Johnny Jr. “JJ” Rohr.

Brother-in-law: George Heider

She is also survived by her former husband, Joseph Pennings, with whom she shared 30+ years of marriage and four children.

She is preceded in death by her sisters Johanna Heider, Ada (Rickie) Van Ryzen, Millie (Teddy) Wachtendonk, Harriet (John) Rietveld, Margaret Koenen, and Gertie Koenen, her brother Tony Koenen, her grandson John J. Rohr; and her parents, George and Johanna (Ver Hallen) Koenen.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit (Holy Name) Catholic Church, 600 E. Kimberly Ave, Kimberly, WI. A memorial Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Aspire Senior Living, Rennes Health and Rehab and Compassus Hospice. Special thanks to Father Jim from St Pius, Pastor Fabian, and the many compassionate nurses and caregivers who went above and beyond, who cared deeply for her and the family at a special time.