Galen Dean Penkava, 59, of Lincoln, passed away November 18th after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born October 15, 1956 in Lincoln to Norman and Phyllis Penkava. Galen was the youngest of 3 boys. He attended Lincoln Lutheran and graduated from Northeast High School excelling in baseball. Later he developed a love for tennis and fishing with family. Galen was currently employed at Black Hills Energy for the past 11 years. His life revolved around his family. He will be fondly remembered for holiday festivities, birthday celebrations and especially Halloween gatherings. His favorite season was Christmas – the music, the decorations and spending it with loved ones. Galen was known for his nostalgia for Old Westerns, James Bond, The Beach Boys, Robert Redford and more.
Galen is survived by Nella, his wife of 12 years; sons, Cory (Jackie) Sievers, Rei (Samantha) Alcalde; daughters, Alyssa (Chris) Kaufhold, Danielle (Andrew) Penkava. Grandchildren: Cooper, Aubrey, Lainey and Lexi Kaufhold and Olivia Sievers. Father, Norman (Leora) Penkava; brother, Jere (Cheryl) Penkava; nices and nephews, Madelyne (Trevor), Carmen, Cristian, Vanesa, Vicky, Valentina, Marcel, Ramon Ali and Santiago. Brother and sister-in-laws, aunts and cousins. He was loved by many for his gentle spirit and will be greatly missed.
Galen took with him the love and support that friends, family and coworkers gave him through his life, especially during his illness. “It’s a special gift to know how much one is loved, before they leave this world.” He is preceded in death by his mother, Phyllis Penkava; brother, Steve Penkava and numerous relatives.
Memorial services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 21st at Wyuka Funeral Home.
Memorials may be left for the family for a later designation.
Nelia,
I am so sorry to read about Galen’s passing. I will be thinking and praying for you all.
Dave Bell
(From Dr. Torraco’s classes)
So sorry for your loss. I went to Northeast with him. He always had a great smile and friendly way with others. Too young. My sympathys to you all.
I’m so sorry for your loss with Galen’s passing. I didn’t know he had cancer since I haven’t seen Galen at the gym for awhile. I’ve known Galen since High School. He will be missed.
A man lives in the hope that he leaves the world a better place than he found it. Galen certainly achieved that high mark as anyone that has known him can attest. I am proud to have known him even for a short time. Our family will keep him in their hearts tomorrow and send prayers for his family.
Galen,
Rest in peace my friend. We did not share our lives later years together but more as young boys. You will be missed by many but remembered fondly for your kindness, warmth, and great spirit. You will always be a part of my life’s treasures. Ron Roesler
So sorry for your loss. Galen’s LNE classmates have many fond memories of him .
BobbiRezac