Joseph R. "Joey" Penninger

Mr. Joseph R. “Joey” Penninger, 37, of Kalamazoo, MI and formerly of Elkhart, passed away in Kalamazoo on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 12:56 pm. He was born in Goshen on January 27, 1983 and was the son of Dustyn Penninger of Daytona Beach, FL and Maryann (Berggren) Penninger of Pierceton, and was married to Kristy M. (Kasper) of Niles.

Also surviving are his sons Konner and Brennen Penninger; siblings Justin Penninger of Warsaw, Nathaniel (Tracy) Penninger of Boscawen, NH, Tiffnie (Greg) Maples and Tamie (Scott) VanLue, both of New Carlisle and Jason (Amanda) Penninger of Elkhart, as well as a loving host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends. Grandparents Holger and Lorraine Berggren and Clay and Isaphene Penninger precede Joey in death.

 Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart will host a gathering of Joey’s family and friends on Thursday, July 2, 2020 from 4-6 pm, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1108 S. Main St., Elkhart on Friday, July 3, 2020 at 12:00 noon, with visitation beginning there at 11 am. The Reverend Daniel Niezer will officiate and burial will follow at St. Vincent Cemetery in Elkhart.  

Joey grew up in the Lifeline / Youth for Christ Program and worked many years as a chef and culinary arts professional at various locations throughout his adult life. Friendly and outgoing, Joey’s captivating smile and personality earned him many friends, but his loyalty always remained with his family. He sincerely loved and cared about many people, and always went out of his way to make someone feel cherished. Joey was always concerned with his appearance and enjoyed looking his best whenever he could. He also loved nature and going on long, reflective walks in scenic places.

Family and friends are encouraged to browse the funeral home’s website, where one can share the obituary, leave condolences for the family, order flowers, get directions and more. Donations made in Joey’s memory may be given to Billings Funeral Home to be applied to specific family needs.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph R. "Joey" Penninger, please visit our floral store.