Wayne C. Pennings

Wayne “Chip” Carlton Pennings, age 77 of Clintonville, WI, passed away on March 28, 2025. He was born to the late Arthur and Beatrice (Widmar) Pennings on June 9, 1947. After graduating high school, he worked many jobs including bartending, painting cars and homes, and at Fox Tractor, but he enjoyed working as a building engineer and maintenance worker for the Appleton Area School District the most. He married the love of his life, Barbara Rettela, in July of 1967 and would’ve celebrated 58 years together in just a few short months. Together, they raised two wonderful children.

Wayne was first and foremost a family man – some would say a family protector. In his free time, he had many different hobbies and interests – almost too many to count. Wayne was the president of the Fox Cities Amateur Radio Club and won “HAM of the Year” two times for his joy in operating the HAM radio. He enjoyed shooting and muzzle loader guns when he was younger – both for sport and for hunting. In fact, Wayne participated in many outdoor activities such as fishing, UTV riding, walking his beloved dogs, camping, and just generally enjoying being out in nature or on the lake. He took great pride in his yardwork and his wine making abilities. He enjoyed mass vehicle sporting events, such as NASCAR races and EAA displays. Wayne also played guitar and had been in a band “The Four Jades” in his younger days. He also enjoyed cooking whenever he felt inspired or whenever it was requested. Wayne enjoyed spending time with his friends, but more than anything, truly cherished the time he spent with his beloved wife, children, grandchildren, and everyone else in his family. He was so proud of everyone he helped to raise.

Wayne will be deeply missed by his wife, Barbara Pennings; his children, Chad (Laura) Pennings and Brigette (Lolli) Derks-Pennings; his grandchildren, Kaleb Pennings and Dorrian, Lupita, and Anita Derks-Williams; his siblings, Shirley Hartfiel, Elaine Flunker, Kay Williams, Nancy Pennings, and Colleen Baehnman; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and dear friends.

Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Beatrice Pennings; his siblings, Marlene Gruetzmacher and Anita Pennings.

A memorial visitation will be held for Wayne from 3-6 PM on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at Wichmann Tri-County Chapel, 1592 S. Oneida St, Menasha, WI 54952 with a memorial service to follow at 6 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Wayne’s most beloved charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Wayne’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and other support staff at ThedaCare Neenah.