PENNEY, Lonnie Dee, Aug 10, 1950 Sep 25, 2009, age 59 of Omaha, NE passed on to the larger life on September 25, 2009. As he wished he was at home at the time of his death with his family after battling cancer for over 2 years. Lonnie was born to Lee and Louise (Geer) Penney on August 10, 1950 in Holdrege, Nebraska. He was the fifth of five children in his family along with brothers Larry, LaVerne, and Lynn and sister Linda. Lonnie attended schools in York and Aurora, Nebraska and graduated from high school in Holdrege, Nebraska in 1968. In 1970 Lonnie was drafted into the Army. From June 15, 1970 to May 7, 1971, Lonnie honorably and valiantly served in Vietnam. Lonnie made the ultimate sacrifice for his country on September 25, 2009 when he succumbed to Mantle Cell Lymphoma which was caused by exposure to Agent Orange during his tour of duty in Vietnam. Lonnie was the recipient of many honors, including the Bronze Star. Lonnie married Mary (Currier) Moorer on May 29, 1977 at Aurora, Nebraska. In 1983 Koreena (Elizabeth) came to be their daughter and was joined by brother Caleb in 1985. The Penneys spent over 28 years living in Newcastle, Wyoming before moving back to Nebraska to be near Caleb and receive cancer care at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Lonnie worked as a carpenter many years of his life. He worked at the Wyoming Refining Company also and for the last 15 years he spoiled the Newcastle Middle School staff doing maintenance. He also took care of the aquatic center and the boiler plant and just about anything he was asked to do for any of the school buildings. He enjoyed his work and his fun ways brought joy to all he met. Lonnie enjoyed reading and had many favorite authors who just didnt write new books quickly enough. He was an avid fan of the Nebraska Huskers, Denver Broncos and the Atlanta Braves. He followed golf with great interest especially when Tiger played! He and Caleb enjoyed their passion for sports together whether playing catch, on the golf course or in front of the TV. Lonnie was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Newcastle, Wyoming. Lonnie was a super father. He was a great role model for Caleb as well as the piano kids who came through the home regularly or the kids at school. He lovingly was Koreenas best friend as a little girl and became the same for her daughter Parker. He provided a wonderful home and life for his family. He was the perfect husband to Mary for over 32 years for which she will be forever grateful. They enjoyed their home and the beautiful Black Hills especially rock hunting in the old blue pickup! Lonnie is survived by Mary, his wife of Omaha, Nebraska, daughter Koreena(Daniel) Arguello of Rapid City, South Dakota, Caleb, his son of Omaha and his fiancée Jennifer Diltz of Fort Collins, Colorado, brothers, Larry (Jane) of Coeur dAlene, Idaho, and Lynn (Rande) of Wichita, Kansas, sister Linda Harrison of Hutchinson, Kansas, sister-in-law Virginia Penney of Andale, Kansas, aunt and uncle Carroll(Curly) and Betty Geer of Holdrege, Nebraska, mother-in-law Sarah (Sally) Currier, brother-in-laws Ric (Bonnie) Currier and Bill(Mary) Currier, numerous nephews and nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces, a host of friends and two special kitties, Gladys and Winnie. Preceding Lonnie into Eternity were his parents, brother LaVerne, nephew James, father-in-law Ralph Currier and many well-loved pets. Celebration of Lonnies life will be at the First United Methodist Church of Newcastle, Wyoming on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 2 pm. Military honors will follow as well as a time of fellowship at the church. Memorials will be given to research through the University of Nebraska Medical Center and can be sent to Mary Penney at 9731 Mockingbird Dr. #1, Omaha, Nebraska 68127. Lonnies family cannot adequately express their thanks to the doctors and staff of UNMC for their care and compassion over the past two years especially good friend, Dr. Bociek. Lonnie was a blessing to everyone who crossed his path. Lonnie had a pure and kind heart – a good, good man doing good; an ordinary man doing extraordinary things.
HEAFEY-HEAFEY-HOFFMANN DWORAK & CUTLER Mortuaries and Crematories 7805 West Center Road Omaha, Nebraska 68124 (402) 391-3900
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