The Honorable Alford R. Penniman

The Honorable Alford R. Penniman, 87, Roscoe, left his family on earth to be reunited with his wife, Judy, and son, Kevin in heaven. He died peacefully of natural causes in Knoxville, TN on Monday, July 18th, 2022. He was born in Rockford, IL on February 9th, 1935, the son of Alford and Jane (Beaumont) Penniman. He earned his undergraduate degree from Carleton College in Northfield, MN and received his law degree from the University of Chicago. Al married Judith Meyer on August 12, 1961, in Red Wing, MN. Both Al and Judy served as Pastors at Gentle Shepherd Fellowship for many years. Al deeply loved his family, his judicial career, and the ministry they were called to. In retirement, Al also served as a congressional aide to Congressman Donald Manzullo. Some of Al’s favorite activities were reading, photography, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, shooting archery, and attending church activities.
Al is survived by his son, Dr. Eric (Amy) Penniman of Knoxville, TN; his grandchildren, Kristen (Nicholas) Mancini, Katelyn (James) Goglia, Jessica (Grant) Ellis, Josiah (Ellen) Penniman, and Benjamin Penniman; his 10 great-grandchildren; his daughter-in-law, Julie (Jerry) Bramstedt; brother-in-law, Burleigh A. Randolph, as well as several nieces and nephews.
The Celebration of Al’s life will occur on Sunday, August 14th at Gentle Shepherd Fellowship (2905 Bildahl St. Rockford, IL). The service will begin at 1:15 pm. A 1-hour reception will occur immediately following the service. Close, longtime family friend and mentor, Pastor Harry Schmidt, President of Christian Life College, will officiate the service. Burial will be in Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.