Albert Lee Penas Jr., 78

Albert Lee Penas Jr., the son of Albert and Bernice (Wittak) Penas was born on September 30, 1944, in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from Badger high school in 1962. He then attended college in Thief River Falls and received his associates degree in auto mechanics. Throughout college Albert worked multiple jobs including spray plane assistant and drag line operator between Twin Lakes.

In 1965, Albert was drafted into the Army and was stationed in Vietnam. Albert was honorably discharged in 1967 with a rank of E-4. After being discharged, he worked for Sluka Construction as a cat operator. Albert married Maxine Sluka on August 1, 1969. They had three children and some of the many life lessons Albert taught them include: if you were five minutes early you were late, always be sure to make a list and follow it, and always buy out the grocery store.

Albert joined Polaris in 1968 as a test driver and through the 70's lead instrumental projects including the 1972 Colt, 1974 Electra, and 1977 TXL. In the 80's, when Polaris was purchased from Textron, he took on roles of Testing Manager, Engine Endurance Manager, and retired as Engineering Facilities Manager in 2007. Albert held very high expectations of his Polaris family from always being on time (early), daily/weekly cleaning schedules, and little time spent on non-work-related conversations. Many past team members can still remember the clicking of his cowboy boots on the concrete floors and him asking "Where's the action?".

Albert's legacy lived on after his retirement by employees commenting in meetings "Albert would not have supported this or this is what Albert did." Even with his expectations, he had a big heart. Albert never did anything to better himself, his family was first and Polaris family close behind. Whenever an issue would arise, Albert always had a way of rallying the troops to support. Albert's fondest memories at Polaris were seeing his team succeed, mentoring young leaders, and reminding them "there are no new problems, only new engineers".

Above all, Albert loved being a husband, dad, and a grandpa. He always made sure that the grandkids had the newest Polaris clothing and that their cars were equipped with all necessary survival equipment.

Albert is survived by his daughter Mary (Russ) Anderson of Greenbush, sons Danny (Noreen) Penas of Badger, and Sam (Jessica) Penas of Pheonix, AZ; grandchildren Hannah (Trace) Bakke; Thor Anderson, Tenisha and Josie Penas; siblings Jeanette (Gary) Olson, Harold Penas, Jerry Penas; brother-in-law Ronald (Kathy) Sluka, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Maxine; sister JoAnn; sister-in-law Debra Penas; brother-in-law Jerome Sluka; and special friends Tim and Jean Hanson.

A private family funeral was held at 1:00PM, Monday, November 21, 2022 at Collins Funeral Chapel in Greenbush officiated by Mark Bertilrud. Special music was provided by Mitchell Johnson and Dean Hedlund. Honorary Bearers were Mary Anderson, Sam Penas, Danny Penas, Noreen Penas, Russ Anderson, Jerry Sluka and all of Albert’s Grandchildren.

Interment services were held at 2:00PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Badger with Military Honors accorded by the Roseau Honor Guard and Minnesota National Guard.

Friends and family gathered for fellowship at Collins Funeral Chapel in Greenbush following interment.

Arrangements are with Collins Funeral Home of Greenbush.

An online guestbook is available at www.collinsfunerals.com