Paul Martin Penninga of Clarksville, MI took his last breath on earth on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at the age of 67. Everyone who knew Paul is confident that he was rejoicing as he embraced the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ. He is survived by and will forever be remembered by Ann (Werkema), his wife of 45 beautiful years. Paul is also survived by his son Andy (Terra) Penninga, daughter Bethany (Andy) DeJong, youngest son Paul Jr and his deeply loved grandchildren Melody, Maddie, Louis, Holly, Georgia, and Donald. He is also survived by his sister Cheryl (Jim) Feddema, brother Gord (Cheri) Penninga and brother-in-law Steve (Sandy) Fleming, and several other brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herm and Arlene (Marsman) Penninga, best friend and brother Jerry Penninga, and his precious daughter Rachel Rose Penninga. Paul looked forward to celebrating with those who made it to heaven before him and was so ready to be reunited with Rachel who he missed so dearly.
Paul grew up in a loving home in Ada, Michigan where he went to Grand Rapids Christian High School. He soon went on to work at Color House Graphics where he ran a printing press for several years. Paul always had a dream of farming and running his own business so he and Ann made the brave decision to buy a working dairy farm in Clarksville, Michigan in 1993. Paul and Ann felt this decision was a prompting from God which led to Paul and the family having the best years of their lives milking cows, growing crops, working hard together every single day, and enjoying life to the fullest in God’s creation. Paul loved farm life and working with his wife and kids each day. Along with his love for farming, Paul had a deep love for music and playing piano. His love for playing started at a young age. He had an amazing God given talent you had to see to believe. If you couldn’t find Paul in a tractor or milking cows, you would surely find him inside on his piano, worshiping The Lord by playing a favorite hymn. His worn out, tired working fingers soared across the keys effortlessly as he made sure every one of those 88 piano keys were used and that every last verse of every hymn included a keychange (or two). Paul played at hundreds of churches, funerals, and weddings using the talents God gave him to the best of his ability. In Paul’s later years he put all of his time and energy into maintaining his farm, taking his grand dogs on lots of runs with his ranger, and spending quality time with his wife and grandkids, all of whom he loved with all his heart. His deepest desire was to shower those closest to him with love and teach them to know Jesus.
Paul believed in Jesus as his Lord and Savior and wanted everyone he knew to know the salvation that only Jesus freely offers. Paul displayed the love of Jesus through his kindness, generosity, humility, perseverance through trials, and smile throughout his entire life. His example and positivity will be missed by so many. Paul fought the good fight, he finished the race and he kept the faith. “Well done, my good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:23).”
Visitation will be held Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Roth-Gerst Funeral home, 305 N Hudson, Lowell, Michigan 49331. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior at Ada Christian Reformed Church, 7152 Bradfield St. SE Ada Mi 49301. Pastor Tim Bateman officiating. South Boston Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Matthew House Ministry, 766- Seventh St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, or Up and Out ministry, P.O. Box 154, Mears, MI 49436
One Response
Dear Ann, I’m so sorry to hear about Paul. It seems to me the Lord is calling all the farmers home. May God be with you in the coming days. I know he held me up when Steven passed and he’ll do the same for you. Much love and prayer, Sandy Schutte
i’m so sorry