Michael Penning

Michael J. Penning, age 78, of Green Bay, died on March 23, 2026, at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay. He was born June, 16, 1947, son of the late Harold and Jean Penning. He attended Chilton High School, graduating in 1965. From there, he went to UW-Oshkosh for his Associate’s Degree and moved on to UW-Stevens Point earning his Bachelor’s Degree. During the summers, he taught at the boys’ conservation camps in Wautoma.

Michael started working for the DNR right after college and stayed until he retired. He was a deer specialist, a fish specialist, and then became a Land Services Supervisor specializing in land purchases for the region. Every spring he guarded sturgeon and harvested their eggs, and he ran the registration shack in Quinney during sturgeon spearing. He was very active within his community as well as work. He volunteered his time for his apartment complex as a member of the Lakes Association Committee, and to help at the Weidner Center. Twice a year he went with family and friends on fishing trips to Isle Royale National Park, and every fall he made the trip to Boulder Junction in northern Wisconsin for muskie fishing.

Michael is survived by his siblings: Nancy (Ronald) Marose and Terry (Wendy) Penning; nieces and nephews: Jason Penning, Jacob (Chelsey) Penning, Alissa Penning (Significant Other, Eric Barr), Tim (Tiffany) Marose, Jeff (Christine) Marose, Travis (Alyssa) Penning, Lindsay Penning, Taylor (Tyler) Miller; and great-nieces and great-nephews: Lucy, Bailey, Sullivan, August, Jarrod, Cora, Maria, Wrenly, and Leo

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Jean; grandparents: Claude and Mabel Nachtwey, and Alfred and Mary Penning; and brothers: Richard (Alice) Penning and Steven Penning.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton. Friends may call from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm at the funeral home on the day of service. Following his funeral, Michael will be laid to rest at St. Elizabeth Cemetery in Kloten. At the time of service and following, a link will be available for those wishing to watch a livestream or archived recording of the service, watch a memorial video in honor of Michael, or see pictures of flowers and gifts given to the family, on their website page provided through wietingfuneralhome.com