Sidney Penning

Sidney Lee Penning, age 80, of Aplington, Iowa, was born the son of Albert F. and Elizabeth (Stubbe) Penning on April 3, 1941, at Ellsworth Hospital in Iowa Falls, Iowa. He grew up on the family farm and attended Austinville School through the 8th grade. Sid graduated from Aplington High School in 1958. He attended Ellsworth College for two years, graduating in 1960.

Sid was drafted into the U.S. Army on November 5, 1963. He served with the 163rd MP Company at the Presidio of San Francisco, California. He was honorably discharged on November 4, 1965, with the rank of SP4. Sid was proud to be a veteran. He was a former commander and lifetime member of the Aplington AMVETS Post #102. Sid enjoyed marching in various parades. His passion was his country. He loved nothing more than sharing his passion with his children and grandchildren.

Upon his discharge, he moved back to the family farm where he began farming with his dad and continued farming until he retired in 2005. He then worked as a truck driver and farmhand, which brought him much joy. Sid took great pride in caring for the land, especially his lawn.

On March 29, 1974, Sid was united in marriage with Connie Hook at Washington Reformed Church in rural Ackley, Iowa. He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife. They enjoyed several trips, including a memorable one to Hawaii, working around the farm, and going on drives “around the section” together. Sid and Connie were truly soulmates and were blessed with 47 years of marriage.

He was a faithful member of Washington Reformed Church where he served as an Elder, Deacon, Sunday school superintendent, and Sunday school teacher. He enjoyed attending Couple’s Club, Prayer Group, and being an RCYF leader with his wife. He was a member of a pastoral search committee and the RCA Revitalization Commission.

Sid was involved in his community by serving on many committees. He was the former Butler County Farm Bureau Director, served as a Trustee for Washington Township, attended farm veteran’s school, and was a Northrup King seed dealer for many years.

Above all, Sid loved his family deeply. He enjoyed attending his girls’ sports and musical events with Connie. “Playing Catch”, sled and combine rides, and going for a drive and ending up at Dairy Sweet for an ice cream cone were special times. Sid was truly a girl-dad. He even enjoyed carrying bags around the mall all day for his girls. Anita and Kristy really confused Sid by both marrying David’s. He enjoyed shooting guns with “the Dave’s”, along with his grandson, Connor. Connor and Sid shared a special connection. They talked for hours about history, the Titanic, and collected coins together. His oldest granddaughter, Elizabeth (Elise), was named after his mother. Like his mom, Elise was a pitcher, and Sid and Elise spent lots of time outside playing softball. You could even hear him cheering Elise on in the stands. His youngest granddaughters, Emily and Allison, loved playing kitchen and horsey with their “Papa”. All of the grandchildren enjoyed singing silly songs, playing with the kittens, and riding in the tractor.

Sid always had a friendly smile and his trademark two-finger wave. He had a kind word to say to everyone and when he spoke, people listened to him.

Sid passed away at his home surrounded by his wife and girls, on Sunday, March 13, 2022, due to complications of cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Elsie (Disney) Penning; father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Lena Hook.

Sid is survived by his wife, Connie; two daughters, Anita (David) Osman of Iowa Falls, Iowa, and Kristy (David) Jahraus of Pella, Iowa; four grandchildren, Elise and Connor Osman of Iowa Falls, Iowa, and Emily and Allison Jahraus of Pella, Iowa; sister, Vivian (Ralph) Mohwinkle of Aplington, Iowa; sister-in-law, Beverly (Larry) Lindeman of Aplington, Iowa; several nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews, as well as many friends.

Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at Washington Reformed Church in rural Ackley, with Pastor Kevin Pulliam officiating.  Organist was Ivy Nolte and she accompanied the congregation as they sang “Amazing Grace” and “Battle Hymn of The Republic”.  Jonathon Mohwinkle sang “How Great Thou Art” and Ivy Nolte sang “Well Done”.  A musical video, “Shine On Us” was played.  Burial was held at Washington Reformed Church Cemetery in rural Ackley, with Jeff Mohwinkle, Jonathon Mohwinkle, Karl Uhlenhopp, Matthew Lindeman, Brandon Thies and Connor Osman serving as Casketbearers.  Military rites were conducted by Aplington AMVETS Post #102.

Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Monday, March 21, 2022, at Redman Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel in Aplington, Iowa.  Memorials may be directed to the family, which will be designated at a later date.  Redman Funeral & Cremation Services in Aplington was in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com