Lois Jean Penning

Lois J. Penning, age 91, of Austin, Minnesota, was received into the arms of her Savior on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Highland Path Assisted Living in St. Paul. Lois Jean Gieser was born September 20, 1932, in Austin, Minnesota, the daughter of Arthur and Emma (Flatten) Gieser. Upon graduation from Austin High School in 1950, she worked at Kresge’s Dime Store managing the candy counter. Shortly afterward, Lois accepted a job at Hormel and worked in various departments until 1955. On May 8, 1954, she married Elroy Penning at Christ Episcopal Church in Austin where she had also been baptized and confirmed. Lois loved children and, in addition to her three boys and grandchildren, often cared for nieces and nephews, and children of close friends. In addition to being a full-time homemaker, Lois also had her own cleaning business and sold Avon and Amway products. In her free time, Lois loved to dance, play games, including Scrabble, bridge, and 500, and making ceramic creations with friends. Lois was a wonderful entertainer; she fed a house full of family and friends many times and was known for her traditional Scandinavian baked goods and dishes. Lois was a long-time member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin, where she was active in women’s ministries (WELCA and Bible studies) and taught Sunday School for many years. Lois loved to travel and longed to see and experience new places. Family and friends were always an important part of her daily life.

Survivors include her children, Rick (Sandra) Penning of St. Paul, Minnesota, Mark (Cathy) Penning of Northfield, Minnesota, and Matthew (Tamera) Penning of Iowa City, Iowa; six grandchildren, Andrew, Christopher, Maren, James, Margaret, and Helen; four great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Emma Gieser; husband, Elroy “Rocky” Penning; brother, Elmer “Bud” (Dixie) Mytten; sister, Evelyn (Clarence) Madison; and friend, Ruth Hoversten.