Fern Penkwitz, age 80, passed away March 22, 2021 at the Harbor Club in Port Washington, WI with her loving husband Eugene by her side.
Fern was born December 5, 1940 in Port Washington, WI, the second child of Herbert J. and Henrietta Vanderloop Bossler. She grew up on Douglas Street, attended St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School and graduated with the class of 1958 from Port Washington High School.
On December 1, 1962, Fern married Eugene Penkwitz at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Port Washington, WI. Their marriage saw four children arrive in a five year span. While raising her family, she found time to substitute teach in the Port Washington Saukville School District and then settle into her 40 year career as a nurse’s aide at Heritage Nursing Home in Port Washington.
A woman of few hobbies, Fern spent much of her time decorating and redecorating her home of 51 years on Norport Drive. It was her pride and joy.
Fern is survived by her husband Eugene, children Randy (Missy) Penkwitz of Hudson, WI, Rick Penkwitz (Heather Winchester) of Oshkosh, WI, Terry (Lori) Penkwitz of Reedsburg, WI and Tracy (Ray) Hartmann of Fredonia, and grandchildren Riley, Reena, Logan, Anna and Jenna Penkwitz and Alicia and Kayla Hartmann. She is further survived by Eugene’s siblings Clarence (Carol) Penkwitz of Port Washington, Arleen (Ken) Weiland of Belgium and Elaine (Jim) Bahr of Bonduel, many nieces and nephews and dear friends from her home away from home, Newport Shores Restaurant in Port Washington.
She is preceded in death by her parents Herbert and Henrietta and a brother, Kehlor.
The Reverend Patrick Wendt will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial 11 am Friday March 26, 2021 at St. John XXIII Catholic Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 451 N Johnson Street, Port Washington. A celebration of life visitation will be held 4-6:30 pm Thursday, March 25, 2021 at the Poole Funeral Home, 203 N Wisconsin Street, Port Washington.
The family would like to thank Harbor Club and Heartland Hospice for their loving care for Fern over the last several months.
Condolences to you Eugene and all the family on the passing of cousin Fern. Our thoughts are with you all.
Fern took such good care of Keith’s mother when she was a resident of Heritage in Port. I enjoyed our conversations when I would visit. Gene and family, our since condolences.
My condolences to the Penkwitz family. So sorry for your loss.
Tammy (Theisen) Kloehn
So sorry Eugene for the loss of your beloved Fern. She was my cousin and the Bossler cousin’s always got together twice a year at New Port Shores. It was always a joy to see you two at the Bossler cousin’s luncheon. She will be missed. I will keep you and your family in my prayers…
Fern was a classmate of mine a very caring person. Eugene was also a friend of mine we both worked at simplicity. My prayers go out to Eugene and her family Bob BergschultzT
So sorry for your loss. I remember her being a substitute teacher and seeing you two together at Newport Shores. You and your family are in our prayers.
Marty and Lee Ann Roehner
Thinking of you at this sad time. The class of ‘58 will miss Fern.
Our sincere condolences to you and your family Eugene. Fern was a great person and a great asset to Heritage Nursing home.
So sorry Eugene and Family on your loss.I hope that you will find peace in knowing that others care too. We will keep you in our prayers. May Fern Rest In Peace.🙏🙏