Pamela S. Penke

Pamela S. Penke

July 9, 1949 – March 17, 2023

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Pauline Sheldon; sister, Cindy Manzotti.

She is survived by her husband, Terry; sons, Bryce (Heidi) and Brian (Emily), grandchildren: Addy, Mallory, Isabella, Christian and Harrison Penke; brother, Chris Sheldon (Debbie); sisters, Denise Failla (Joe), Shelley Nienhueser (Mark); half sister, Judith (Don) Johnson.

Pam was President of Assistance League and an active member for 25 years.

Family will receive friends Thursday, March 23rd from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel.  FUNERAL: Friday, March 24th, 11:00am at the West Center Chapel.  Interment: Omaha National Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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Pamela Sue Penke was born on July 9, 1949 in Shenandoah Iowa. She was the first of five siblings born to Richard and Pauline Sheldon. Soon after she was born, her parents moved to Omaha Nebraska. Pam graduated from Beveridge/Burke High School in 1967. It is at high school where she met and dated Terry Penke.

On October 5th, 1969, Pam and Terry were united in marriage. They have been married for 54 years. They began their married life in Guam where Terry was serving in the military. After returning from Guam, Pam attended the University of Omaha and in 1975 graduated with a degree in Interior Design. Pam loved interior decorating and although she never formally worked for a firm, she was always assisting anyone who needed ideas in decorating. She had an ability for finding just the right piece of furniture or accessory.

In 1976, Pam and Terry were blessed with their first son, Bryce. In 1978, the family moved to Atlanta, Georgia where Terry was employed by First Data Resources. While they lived in Atlanta, their second son, Brian, was born in that same year.

Upon their return to Omaha, Pam spent most of her time raising her two sons. Pam was also very active in volunteering. She spent over 25 years as a volunteer for PEO and Assistance League where she was the President in her later years.

Pam enjoyed spending time with her sons and daughters in law and especially her grandchildren. She was very proud of all of them.

In August of 2018, Pam and her siblings were contacted by Judith Johnson, who we now know is our half sister. Judith is a wonderful blessing and Pam was able to get to know Judith and her family prior to her illness.

Pam was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and courageously battled the disease over the past few years.   Pam passed away on March 17, 2023 at the age of 73.

 

14 Comments

  • Jim Sheldon Posted March 19, 2023 7:51 am

    Very sorry to hear of Pam’s passing.

  • Mike McCabe Posted March 19, 2023 9:30 am

    Terry -Thinking and praying for you and your family during this challenging time.

  • Julie Fronce Larmon Posted March 19, 2023 9:31 am

    Have been thinking of you and your families loss. So sorry to hear of your loss. I had so many fun times with Pam,at Burke , high school. She will be missed by all who knew her. Her friend Julie.

  • Tom Bizzarri, Sr. Posted March 19, 2023 9:37 am

    So very sorry at Pam’s passing. I will always remember her from our days at Beveridge, Pam & Terry were a match made in Heaven. May wife Sue (Jaksich) remembers her from their UNO days. Ma God Bless your entire family during these hard times.

  • Nikki Simpson Posted March 19, 2023 10:41 am

    Pam was a fun member of our crazy girlfriend circle in high school. We were always together with the others causing “trouble “ and just being goofy teenagers. Pam was more the sensible one and helped keep us out of too much trouble. She was the lookout when we’d go skinny dipping in the community pool at night! I’ll never forget Pam and Terry,, both of whom I would jokingly call “polak”. God bless! Nancy Simpson “Red”.

  • Mike, Beth & Jarrett Willet Posted March 19, 2023 6:18 pm

    Terry & Bryce:

    We were saddened to hear that Pam has passed. Having been down the Alzheimer’s path with my Dad we have an idea of how painful your journey has been. Unfortunately, we found dealing with Alzheimer’s did not make loss any easier.

    You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

  • Sarah Weidner Posted March 20, 2023 5:45 pm

    Wishing your family all God’s graces.

  • Dave & Cathy Souder Posted March 23, 2023 9:46 am

    Terry……
    Condolences to you and your whole family.
    You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
    Dave & Cathy Souder

  • LaRue Roberts Posted March 23, 2023 10:28 am

    Terry, I’m so sorry for your loss. Pam was a sweet lady.

  • Tom & Barb Walsh Posted March 23, 2023 4:21 pm

    Terry, so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family
    Tm & Barbara

  • The Cravens Posted March 23, 2023 9:11 pm

    We are so sorry for your loss. The Penke family and close friends are in our prayers – praying for peace.

  • Rita & Mike Eck Posted March 23, 2023 9:37 pm

    Our love and prayers to Terry and all family. Our loving memories of all the trips- to many nights in each other homes or Charleston’s on Friday or Saturday nights filled with lots of laughter. Pam introduced me to Assistance League and PEO- her due diligence, in both of these organizations, was phenomenal. Our many times to so many Paneras will never be lost. Miss you so much my true friend.

  • Doug & Kathy Hoefker Posted March 24, 2023 9:23 am

    So sorry for your loss

  • Kurt Geschwender Posted March 24, 2023 9:34 am

    It’s hard to imagine the grief you are experiencing losing your life long partner, Mother and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of mourning.Know that Pam is in a better place.
    Kurt & Tina

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