Fern Penkwitz

Fern Penkwitz, age 80, passed away March 22, 2021, at the Harbor Club in Port Washington, Wis., with her loving husband Eugene by her side.

Fern was born Dec. 5, 1940, in Port Washington, Wis., 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 Dec. 1, 1962, Fern married Eugene Penkwitz at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Port Washington, Wis.

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, Wis., Rick Penkwitz (Heather Winchester) of Oshkosh, Wis., Terry (Lori) Penkwitz of Reedsburg, Wis., and Tracy (Ray) Hartmann of Fredonia, Wis.; 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 was preceded in death by her parents Herbert and Henrietta and a brother, Kehlor.

The Rev. Patrick Wendt will celebrate a Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. Friday, March 26, 2021, at St. John XXIII Catholic Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 451 N. Johnson St., Port Washington.  

A celebration of life visitation will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 25, 2021, at Poole Funeral Home, 203 N. Wisconsin St., Port Washington.

The family would like to thank Harbor Club and Heartland Hospice for their loving care for Fern over the last several months.

Poole Funeral Home/Crematory, Port Washington, Wis., is assisting the family.

Information and condolences are available at www.poolefh.com or by calling (262) 284-4431.