On Sept. 12 James G. Pennau passed away suddenly at Grancare Nursing & Rehab in Fond du Lac, with his wife at his side. He was born on June 6, 1933 in Oshkosh the son of the late John H. and Linda E. (nee Kelpert) Pennau, the youngest brother to Audrey, Karl L., John A. and Richard R. Jim graduated in 1951 from Oshkosh High School. Jim’s life was exciting and eclectic. His careers included the Pennau Equipment Co., CR Meyer, Oshkosh Glass Co., Buckstaff Sales, Pepsi Cola Bottling Co.-Director of Marketing, Media and Governmental Affairs and later he was the Recycling Manager for Winnebago County Waste Management. He was a member of the Fond du Lac and Oshkosh Yacht Clubs. Sailing was one of Jim’s passions, In 1961 Buckstaff won the championship in the ILYA A Scow Regatta at Green Lake, WI. In addition, the crew took 2nd place in the regatta 6 times between 1958 and 1974. Jim placed second in the Alaska Cup while enjoying the beauty of Seward, Alaska. His long standing involvement in and around sailing was the foundation for many of his lifelong friendships. Fishing and hunting partridge were also some of his many passions. While with Pepsi, he was instrumental in the early days as Sponsor for Fond du Lac's Walleye Weekend, Sports Olympics, Winter Celebration, Fond du Lac Jazz Festival, WI Bicycle Criterion, Oshkosh Sawdust Days and Otto Grunski Festival. Jim will also be remembered for his 27 years and Heart of Gold Award with United Cerebral Palsy, Respite for Parents, Special Olympics, Charity Golf Tournaments, Kiwanis, Ducks Unlimited and Otter Street fishing Club. He loved traveling, toasting the Sunset on the beach in Florida, and in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico where we celebrated with family for a Birthday in the Jungle with a Mariachi Band and Dinner. Jim was a creative gourmet cook, loved working in his yard and enjoyed his house, deck and family. Survivors include his wife Wendy(Weiss), his daughters: Ellen A. Harwell of Oshkosh and her children Matthew J., Anna E. and Katherine C; Carrie Pennau of Rio Rancho, NM and Jane E.(Jeffrey) Carroll of Mt. Airy, MD and their son Samuel: his step children Holly Powers; Jeffery (Shari) Powers and their children Tim (Emily) Powers, son Brady; A.J. (LeeAnn) Powers and Joseph Powers, and Lisa (William) Aus and their children Tessa and Connor, his sisters-in-law Audrey, Janice and Rita Pennau, his special cousin Nancy Block, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his former wife Gail, and his siblings. A Time of Gathering to celebrate Jim’s Life with his wife and family will be at the Fond du Lac Yacht Club, 705 Mohawk Drive will be Sat. Oct. 8, 2011 from 12PM until 3PM. Twohig Funeral Home, Fond du Lac, is serving his family. Memorials should be directed to the Cancer Society and Parkinson Research. Guestbook and online condolences at www.twohigfunerals.com. A special thank you to the staff at Grancare for their caring and support.
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