Obit: Penk, Anton S. (1925 - 2016)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Penk, McManus, Kuhn, Lewin, Largay, Somerville, Hasart, Slovensky, Wisniewski, Obrycki, Kowalski

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 4/13/2016

Penk, Anton S. (14 July 1925 - 5 April 2016) With Flag

Anton S. Penk, age 90, passed away quietly on Tuesday April 5, 2016, at Traditions Assisted Living Center in Thorp, Wisconsin, where he had resided the past four years. “Tony” was born on July 14, 1925, in Lublin, Wisconsin, the fifth of six children of Polish immigrants, Nellie and Martin Penk.

Growing up he worked on the family farm, and graduated from Gilman High School. After serving as a medic in Germany during the Korean War, Tony returned to the States and married the beautiful Beverly June McManus on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1953. They settled in Thorp and raised six very active and independent children. Tony rose to the occasion by working hard at several jobs, including over 30 years of loyalty to the Thorp Post Office as a rural route carrier.

He was an enthusiastic and loved member of the community. He was active in the American legion, donating blood when he could, and attending local sporting events. Tony was a devoted Catholic, father and grandfather who loved children and every one he met, as he only met ‘friends’. He especially enjoyed playing (cheating) cards, discussing the Packers or Brewers, completing crossword puzzles, gossiping at the Thorpedo, and listening to Polkas or good old Western music. Later years found him cruising on a bus to the casinos or meandering over to the local corner store to pick up scratch off tickets. Tony’s quick wit, kind smile, twinkling eyes, and positive disposition will be missed by many.

Anton is survived by his son, Mike, and daugher-in-law, Deb Kuhn Penk and their children, Angie and Miles; daughter, Deb Penk; daughter Denis Lewin; son, Greg, and daugher-in-law, Mary Largay Penk and their children: Richard “Tony” and Andrew; daugher, Renee and son-in-law, Ron Somerville and their children: Austin and Brooke; son Jon, and daugher-in-law, Kara Hasart Penk and their children: Bryce and Camryn; his brother-in-law, Dave Slovensky; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nellie and Martin Penk; his wife, Beverly McManus Penk; his sisters: Della Wisniewski and Valeria Obrycki Slovensky; and his brothers: Chester, Bruno, John and Joseph Penk.

Funeral services will be held at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Thorp, Wisconsin on April 16, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Janusz Kowalski will officiate and burial, including Veteran’s Protocol, will follow at New St. Hedwig Catholic Cemetery. All are invited to partake in the meal served following the services in the church basement. Everyone is encouraged to share stories and cherished memories.

Thorp Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Thorp American Legion Hall Scholarship Fund. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for all of the kind thoughts, prayers and encouragement from so many!