MADISON - Don H. Penly II, son of Don and Effie (Hart) Penly, passed away on Friday, March 4, 2022, at Agrace HospiceCare at the age of 78.

Don was born in Fort Campbell, Ky., during World War II. Upon his father’s return from Europe, he spent his youth in Cedar Falls, Iowa, as the eldest of five siblings, Becky, Jane, Ellen, and David. His siblings have many fun stories to tell of their childhood with him as their big brother, with a favorite being how they would hold him down and tickle him for revenge. He attended the University of Northern Iowa, where he served as the president of his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Economics.

Don proudly served his country in the HHC 502d S&T Battalion 3rd Armored Division during the Vietnam War. He received the “Expert” classification in Rifle qualification and the National Defense Service medal for his service prior to his honorable discharge from active duty in July 1969.

He met Deborah Garner, the woman with whom he would spend the rest of his life, in 1990. They fell in love and were married on Aug. 15, 1992, at their beautiful home in Madison, Wis. They loved spending time with their canine friends and hanging by the pool with their grandchildren. They also enjoyed traveling with good friends by their side and shared many memories from wine tours, scenic Italy and beautiful Alaska.

Don served in engineering leadership positions in the food processing industry before finishing his career as Principal of Design Factors, LLC, his consulting firm. He was a proud member of the North Country Trail Association and put his engineering skills to work designing and building a bridge and a boardwalk. He found great joy visiting and maintaining the trail, breathing the fresh air and just “being there.” When not on the trail, he enjoyed fine woodworking and was particularly adept at creating ornately inlaid jewelry boxes and humidors, which he would often gift to people for special occasions.

Don is survived by his wife, Deborah; children, Don H. Penly III (Sarah), Gina Hall (Bryan), and Brian Penly (Melanie); and grandchildren, Zoa, Mylah, McKenzie, Owen, Keeley and Guy; stepchildren, Stephanie Christensen (Steve), Melissa Anunson (Darryl) and Jaymes Waters (Christy); step-grandchildren, Gillian, Mara, Nora and Mark; and his siblings. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family is grateful for the caregivers and doctors at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg and would like to extend special thanks to his home care nurses, Toni, Lori and Jess, for their heartfelt care.

A service celebrating his life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 11, 2022. A graveside service with military honors will be held at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, at 12 noon of Friday.

Memorial donations may be made to Agrace HospiceCare or the Dane County Humane Society. Please share your memories or online condolences at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Don Herbert Penly II

March 11, 1943 - March 04, 2022

Share photos of Don