Wayne C. Pennecard, 84

Wayne C. Pennecard, 84, 'left this world for a new adventure' on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2008. Wayne passed at his home in Whitefish with his son and daughter at his side.

Wayne was born in Belt on Feb. 28, 1924, to Florence Wellington Pennecard and Albion (Jack) Pennecard. The family moved to the Flathead Valley in 1934.

He spent two and a half years in the Army Infantry during World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star on March 22, 1991, by mail. Upon his return from the war in 1945, Wayne started a 43-year career on the Great Northern Railroad as a car man. Wayne also spent 20 years as a volunteer fireman for the city of Whitefish, an experience he cherished and was most proud of.

On Nov. 3, 1946, he married Minnie Bremer, the love of his life, and built a wonderful life with her in Whitefish.

Wayne was active in the VFW Post 276 since his return from the war and was an active member of the Honor Guard for 59 years. Wayne was a Mason and belonged to the Moose and Eagles organizations.

He was instrumental in starting the Little League baseball program in Whitefish and coached for many years. He and Minnie were avid Bulldog fans until they physically couldn't do it anymore. He had a great love of fishing and camping.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of nearly 50 years; and his best friend and companion for seven years, Carolyn McConville.

Wayne will be deeply missed but greatly remembered by his son, Dale, and wife, Sandy Pennecard, of Boise, Idaho; his daughter, Gale Munski, of Whitefish; grandchildren, Jeff Pennecard, Angie Morrison, and Michelle and Jesse Munski; nine great-grandkids; sisters, Elaine Thoring and Phyllis Lewis; a wonderful extended family, and great friends.

Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. today, Aug. 29, at the Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at the Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish. Burial will be afterward in Glacier Memorial Gardens Cemetery, with military graveside honors by the United Veterans of the Flathead and the Montana National Guard.

The family has established a memorial fund in Wayne Pennecard's name and has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the United Veterans of the Flathead (Color Guard), c/o Jim Hiebert, 620 E. Eighth St., Whitefish, MT 59937; or the Lion Mountain VFW Post 276, Whitefish, MT 59937.