MONONA - David John Penn, age 77, of Monona, Wis., passed away on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022, at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on March 22, 1944, in Tyler, Texas, the son of Samuel D. Penn and Etta Ruth (York) Foster. He was united in marriage to Susan Vogt on Sept. 3, 1983, at the First Unitarian Society in Madison, Wis.

David graduated from Roosevelt High School in Chicago in 1963 and earned his degree in English and Communications at Mundelein College in 1977. He held a variety of jobs ranging from bookstore owner in Chicago, to Student Film Coordinator in the UW-Madison Dean of Students Office, to local and over-the-road truck driver for various Midwest companies.

After 12 years of service with the U.S. Postal Service, David retired in 2007 following a massive stroke that left him paralyzed on his left side. Fortunately, he was still very able to converse, and he liked to quip that thanks to his last beloved job, he had “remained a man of letters.”

A non-traditional but voracious learner with an incredible memory for facts and trivia, David held a life-long belief that the best way to live life was to “have fun, learn lots!” He was an avid reader, especially of sci-fi, fantasy, and history. He also closely followed politics and news, wrote editorials, and participated in political rallies - all of which made him a veritable font of interesting tidbits, which he would share with you whether you wanted him to or not.

David enjoyed canoeing, theater, movies, puppetry, comedy, musicals, opera, and classical and folk music. He was always ready to comment on a performance or be part of a bit, including once carrying a spear in Aida. He played drums with the Skokie Valley Symphony in Chicago and performed international folk dances throughout Wisconsin as a member of Narodno Folk Dance Group.

David had a big personality and a bigger heart, and his spark will be deeply missed.

David is survived by his wife, Susan Vogt; son, Shanan Penn; daughter, Alicia (Chad Conrady) Penn; granddaughter, Cora Penn; and first cousins, Susan Serota and Harry Perlstadt. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his stepfather, Sydney Foster.

The family would especially like to thank David's primary care physician, Dr. Albert Musa, as well as all the health care providers and volunteers at the St. Mary's Adult Day Health Center who for 15 years supported and enriched in so many ways our family's post-stroke journey.

A private family burial will be held at Natural Path Sanctuary. Memorials may be gifted in David's name to the ACLU or to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

David Penn

March 22, 1944 - February 06, 2022

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