Robert Penor passed away peacefully on August 17th, 2024, surrounded by his family and dear friends at the age of 97. He was born in Bison South Dakota on April 26, 1927, to Harry and Margaret Penor. Robert graduated Valedictorian of his Bison high school class and was accepted into the Medical program for University of South Dakota in Vermillion South Dakota. In college he met and married June Tjelle Penor of Webster South Dakota, and shortly thereafter Robert enrolled in the Army. He was an officer in the 1st heavy mortar corp, leading troops into battle in the Korean War. He was stationed in Okinawa Japan after the war where June taught English to Japanese students. In 1956 he was honorably discharged and continued his medical studies at the University of South Dakota. He attended Creighton University Medical School graduating with honors in 1963. He moved with his family to Chadron to start a medical practice with Dr. Rasmussen in January 1964. His son Stewart was born in Omaha in September 1960. His son Chris was born in June 1964. Dr. Robert Penor diligently served the Chadron Community delivering babies, helping those less fortunate and spending a great deal of time with his geriatric patients. He started a medical practice in Harrison Nebraska operating it concurrently with his Chadron practice. June passed away from cancer in 1981. 1982 brought the opening of The Brothers Ice Cream shop in Chadron, which he opened to provide business experience for his sons. He retired from both medical practices to focus on the next chapters of his life in 1999 at the age of 72.
His granddaughters Patricia June Ivey and Christa Penor were a great joy. He would handwrite them letters, call and visit often. Family reunions and gatherings were very important to him. He would coordinate family reunions and offer special invites to his ranch in Harrison Nebraska-Aspen Springs Ranch. He married Rosanne Keepers in 2009. Rosanne and Robert were inseparable until her death in March 2020.
Robert was a cancer survivor. He was devout in his Christian faith. He loved the Lord and knew God had a plan for him. He helped many in need with his wisdom, empathy and financial resources.
At the age of 92 he traveled on African safari to Mozambique and South Africa. While deep inside Mozambique, he said, “Chris we are really in the bush now”.
The last 4 years of his life witnessed the death of his son Stewart, wife Rosanne, his brother Dean, sister JoAnn, her husband Les Cobian, and his nephew Rick Cobian. Also preceding him in death were his wife June Penor, his parents and brother Chester.
Robert is survived by his son Chris of Bozeman Montana, granddaughter Patricia (Eddy) Ivey of Great Falls Montana, granddaughter Christa Penor (fiancé Clay Parks) of Round Up, Montana, sister-in-law Eloise (Dean) Penor of Rapid City South Dakota and many cousins, nephews and nieces.
Robert was a strong man providing wisdom and support for his family and friends. He never gave up and was active until the very end. He left a legacy of generosity, compassion, mentoring and assistance to those less fortunate. A friend said at this passing, “the world was not great enough for this man”.
Scholarships have been set up in the Penor name at Chadron State College. Memorials may be sent to Penor Family Memorial C/O Chris Penor, 411 Chadron Avenue, Chadron, Nebraska 69337.
A Memorial Service will be Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Chadron at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Bruce Baum officiating. The family will greet friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Interment with military honors will be in the Greenwood Cemetery.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home assisting the family with arrangements.