Penn, Russell Howard

Russell Howard Penn, 88, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Saturday, July 30, 2011, at St. Luke's Hospital. Memorial services will be held 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, with a visitation beginning at 2 p.m. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Russell H. Penn was born June 19, 1923, to William and Winifred (Nowakowski) Penn in Detroit, Mich. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Russell was united in marriage to Shirley Smith on Sept. 7, 1946, in Detroit. She passed away in 2009. Russell retired from Cherry Burrell after 37 years of service.

As a young adult he boxed, played tennis and hockey and played on a minor-league baseball team, the Jacksonville Tars. He also was an avid square dance caller primarily for The Promenaders. Russell enjoyed woodworking and was a Mason.

He is survived by his children, Gary Penn of Hayward, Calif., Dr. Cynthia (Lynn Duecker) Penn-Duecker of Piedmont, Calif., Gregory (Haydee) Penn of Cypress, Texas and Sandra (Mark) Minger of Cedar Rapids; brother, Jack Penn of Holiday, Fla.; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents; spouse; sister, Marge Chamberlain; and brother, William Penn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the American Lung Association or the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight.