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BORN
1954
DIED
2018
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Matthew Penning Obituary
Springfield, IL—Matthew David (Matt) Penning, 63, of Springfield, died on January 10, 2018 at St. John's Hospital.
Matt was born on September 9, 1954 in Springfield, Illinois, the son of Howard and Jean (Hartley) Penning. He married Karen Sue Ford on October 7, 1978. He retired in 2011 from the State of Illinois after 32 years of service. Matt was a faithful member of St. Agnes Church, and had many passions including music, photography, the Internet, volunteering, blood/platelet donations, and most of all, family.
Matt was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Jean Penning; his brothers, Frank and Larry; father-in-law, Tom Ford; and sister-in-law, Cheryl Penning.
Matt is survived by his wife, Karen; his son, Christopher Michael Penning and his wife, Jennie; siblings, Dennis (Kieran) of Chesterton, IN, Nicholas (Mary Ann) of Arlington, VA, John (Debbie) of Springfield, Mary Anne of Springfield, and Patricia "Trish" of Chatham; mother-in-law, Mary Ford; sister-in-law, Lisa Letorney (Michael); brothers-in-law, Thomas Ford and Kevin Ford; uncle, Don Ford; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.
Memorial Gathering and Funeral Mass: Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos St., Springfield with Rev. Robert J. Jallas, celebrant.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos St., Springfield IL 62702, Central IL Community Blood Center, Attn: Maggie Wooldridge, 2801 S. 10th St., Springfield, IL 62704, or NPRIL.org.
The family of Matthew David Penning is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.
Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences and to view the full obituary.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Penning
Sponsored by Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center.
Gertrude O'Connor
January 5, 2021
Matt left so many wonderful memories of his time with us. Above all, he was a great friend to so many people. I still marvel at all the things he did to help other people. Such a wonderful, generous, good Christian man! We are all better for his being part of our life.
Annette Nelson
January 21, 2018
Karen...what a wonderful tribute to Matt yesterday from all his family and friends. I thank God everyday for allowing me to know and love him and you. I continue to pray that you receive an abundance of comfort,love and support during these difficult days...Peace and Healing...AMEN
Hector Torregrosa
January 20, 2018
His kindness is in our memories forever. My condolences to family.
Jeanette Stevenson
January 19, 2018
Karen, Chris, and Jennie, I was shocked and saddened to hear of Matts passing. I had just liked one of his photos, probably the last one he posted on FB. Life changes so quickly, but it sounds like Matt made the most of his time here on earth...touched many people! What a legacy... We are praying for you all...love you...❤
Jane Bradley
January 18, 2018
I worked with Matt at the DDS. He was a great individual and will be missed by all who knew him.
I would see him at the retirees luncheon. It was always interesting talking to him about photography.
My thoughts are with all the family.
God Bless!
Gina Crifasi-Lafiosca
January 18, 2018
Karen : Joe and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family. Matt was special. He saw beauty through the lens of his camera and shared it for all his Facebook friends to enjoy. His love and devotion to you was so apparent through every photo of you he posted. We will continue to pray for you, your son, Chris, and his wife. Our warmest sympathy and love. Gina and Joe Lafiosca.
John Headrick
January 18, 2018
Dear Mary,
Please accept my sympathies on the passing of Matthew. May God bless you, Matthew and your family now and forever. Rest In Peace Matthew.
John Headrick
Springfield, IL
TERRI CASTLES
January 18, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of Matt's passing, I worked with him for a number of years at the DDS and always found him to be a very kind and caring man who so obviously loved his family. I will not be able to attend his service because of my own health issues but I will be there with you in my heart.
Timothy Kane
January 18, 2018
Deepest sympathies to you both, Karen and Chris. Matt was a great guy. I consider myself lucky that I got to know him. May he rest in peace with God.
Les Vann
January 18, 2018
My dad was too ill to travel to California for Kevin's installation as Bishop. Matt came to his home and set up streaming on dad's tv so he could watch the entire ceremony. That says so much about Matt. From all the Vanns our deepest sympathy to all the Pennings.
Susan Williams Irwin
January 17, 2018
If my memory is correct, I was a member of the Saturday night guitar group Matthew lead that sang at the old St Agnes for the Saturday evening Masses. These are memories that I have cherished for years and will for many more. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Sister Trudy O'Connor
January 17, 2018
My special prayers and thoughts are with you, Karen, and with all your family. Matt was a very special person and I treasured yours and his friendship. God love you. Sister Trudy
Annette Nelson
January 17, 2018
My dearest friend,Trish,my deepest love and heartfilled prayers reachout to you and your family....such a wonderful brother to you and friend to so many.....May God bless and comfort you all during these difficult days
Ted Harvatin
January 17, 2018
Got to know Matt at Fit Club in the late 80's and early 90's. Turned out he too was an HMR graduaute a couple of classes after me. Great guy. Told me he was there so he would be around to see his son grow up. RIP Matt.
Nelly Kremer- Weicker
January 16, 2018
Good-bye dearest cousin Matthew. You will always be in our hearts. Nelly and the whole family from Luxembourg.
Allan Johnson
January 16, 2018
Dear Penning Family,
With heartfelt condolences and kindest thoughts to all the Penning family in your time of great sadness.
Wishing you all comfort and peace.
Matt at "The Cabin" you will be missed. Bill T.
Bill Tomko
January 11, 2018
Matt, we will miss you, you were a gentleman and a scholar! "The Cabin Gang" Paul, Larry, Bob & Bill
Our Friend Matt
Bill Tomko
January 11, 2018
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