Pennings, CharlesCharles Pennings, Hilbert, age 70, beloved husband, father and grandfather (Bumpa) passed away surrounded by his family on July 3, 2017 at ThedaCare Hospital (AMC) in Appleton.Chuck was born on October 23, 1946 to Clarence and Eunice Pennings in Appleton and grew up in Little Chute and Combined Locks. After graduating from Kimberly High School in 1964, he enlisted in the US Air Force in March of 1966. During the Vietnam War he was assigned to bases including Bentwaters AFB in England, Aviano AFB in Italy, and Incirlik AFB in Turkey as a jet engine mechanic. He was very proud of his service to our country and spoke of the pleasant experiences often with his family, but especially his dear grandchildren. He completed his tour of duty after almost 5 years attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.Soon after his return home he met Barb Brunner of Combined Locks. Chuck and Barb were united in marriage on May 5, 1978 in Menominee, Michigan. Their son, Ryan was born shortly after.Chuck was employed by Enstrom Helicopter in Menominee for a few years when Chuck & and Barb decided to get away from the cold and snow. They made it back to Combined Locks when on a whim he applied to Air Wisconsin Airlines in Appleton and was hired in December 1979 as an Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic. So much for leaving the cold and snow!! In 1983, they were relocated to Fort Wayne, Indiana where a new adventure awaited. After 6+ years there and new friends, they returned to the Appleton area, and purchased a home in the Black Creek area. In 2000, they bought their retirement home on Lake Winnebago and began their dream of "a lake in the front yard", fishing at the push of a button and watching sunsets together over the water. Chuck's fishing knowledge of Lake Winnebago became widely known but he only shared it with those closest to him.Chuck filled his days with teaching his son everything a father should, including sharing his love of fishing. Chuck and Ryan were great fishing buddies for many, many years. Ryan started playing baseball at the age of 5 and his dad was a great teacher and sometimes coach. Dad was there for every game cheering him on and signaling to him from the bleachers. He was always so proud of him. Later in life he enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports and made it to as many of their soccer and baseball games as he could.Chuck loved puttering in his shop and was always making something for someone or repairing things.Chuck will forever be remembered and loved by his wife of 39 years, Barb, his son Ryan, daughter-in-law Betsy, his dearest grandchildren MiKayla, MiKenzie and Ryder of Black Creek and step-grandson Tyler Snyder of Appleton, He is further survived by his brother Gerald (Grace) Pennings of Peshtigo, his sisters Joan (Jim) Verstegen of Little Chute, Christy Pennings of Kaukauna, brother-in-law Gary (Bernadine) Kuborn of Waupaca, sister-in-law Karla (fiancé Tom Guyette) Hauser of Appleton, Bruce (Sherry) Brunner of Appleton, Kathy (Gary) Hooyman of Kaukauna, Karen (Ken) Kersten of Kaukauna, Brad (Cheri) Brunner. There are also numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence & Eunice Pennings, his dearest sister Shirley Kuborn, his father-in-law Harold Brunner of Litte Chute, his mother-in-law Hazel Brunner of Combined Locks and many other aunts and uncles. They will be waiting with open arms to welcome him into heaven.A celebration of life will be held on Friday July 7, 2017 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm; services will be at 5:00 pm with Pastor Jesse Johnson officiating at Boettcher Family Funeral Home, 2401 Fieldcrest Drive, Kaukauna, WI, 54130, 920-766-2099. Military rites will be served following the services directly at the funeral home.Dad, for 39 years you taught me and were my guide, my rock to lean on when I needed it and an ear when I needed someone to listen. You taught me every moral & unwritten rule you could think of, just to make sure I was ready to take on anything. I think I am, dad. You taught me to work hard, set goals, then go get them. You were always my favorite fishing & hunting partner, and usually guide. I'll miss our arguments about baseball, about where the walleyes are in Winnebago, but most of all I will miss your smile and "Hi Pal" every time I answered the phone or walked in the door. I'll take care of everything down here dad, don't you worry. I love you.Dad, for almost 18 years I have had the privilege to call you that. You have shown me a lot of things from your knowledge bank. You gave me my best friend and I could never thank you enough for that. You listened to me when I just needed ears to hear me and you gave me lots of advice sitting on the swing watching the lake. Thank you for all the wonderful memories. I love you, Bets."Pook", until we meet again, you will be with me and beside me. We had 45 years together and numerous wonderful adventures and I have many awesome memories to carry me through. You were a wonderful husband, father and grandpa and I'll love you always. I miss you, but know we'll be together again someday. Love always, "Blanche".Bumpa/Grandpa: Bumpa, walk beside me and guide me through this crazy thing called life. I was blessed to have spent so much time with you. I miss you more than anything. I love you. "Lil Bit".Boettcher Family Funeral Home is assisting the family. (920)-766-2099 www.boettcherfamilyfuneral.com