Birth date: Oct 20, 1934 Death date: Sep 24, 2017
Decatur – Penning, Dr. Howard Lawrence (Larry), 82, died on September 24, 2017, in his home, surrounded by his family. Larry was born on October 20,1934 in Lincoln, Nebraska, son of Howard and Jean (Hartley) Penning. He graduated Read Obituary
Uncle Larry was always such an amazingly calm, humor-filled, steadfast presence in our lives. He kept us all together by remembering everyone's birthdays in our enormous family, and constructing fun and funny poems to each and every person on there natal celebration day. I would never have known there was a word for a birthday ode – "genethliacon" – if it wasn't for my whip-smart, creative, thoughtful Uncle Larry. We will miss your earthly presence so much. ❤️
Larry and I were Medical School Classmates. We are both Pathologists and in recent years exchanged E mails. We both spent our years in a community Catholic Hospital ( run by the same order of nuns ). We were fortunate enough to be blessed with great families , a loving wife and incredible loving daughters. I also have four daughters. We were both interested in science and felt greatly rewarded in our chosen profession.We enjoyed teaching Medical Technologists. We shared interests in books , food, and events we encountered over over our medical careers. Though I am tone deaf I enjoyed his links to great classical music. We shared anecdotes about our family. In doing so it was evident that the greatest gift and love our lifes were are familiesI know he was resigned to his death from our last E mails and that he had no doubts of being with God. Last Christmas in an E mail he said "Once around is enough. God's got me this far and, with His help, I'll just stay at it until He says enough. I've spent a bunch of time pondering why we have to die and, with what I like to think are God's answers, I think I know. That can stay for another conversation another day. I will miss hearing from this friend who I also came to know as one of the most intelligent of men I ever met and a great PathologistMy deepest sympathies and prayers.
John and Debbie, We have you in our thoughts and prayers. Dick and Mary Lee Oliver.
Praying for your family during this time of loss. Aaron Mahl
Larry was a med school classmate. Unfortunately, we didn't remake contact until many years after graduation, a couple years before his wife passed away. He was a very intelligent man with great compassion. His knowledge and insight will be sorely missed.My best to his four lovely daughters and their families who I'm certain will miss him greatly. However, he and Beverly are together again.Richard Plessala, M.D.
So many years spent singing in the choir. He and Bert were the two tenors that made the music come alive! He will be missed!!Marilyn Pierceall
Katherine I am so sorry to hear about your dad. You have been a great daughter. I'll bet he bragged on you constantly. Remember all the good times and keep them alive with your family. Jim Rudolph
