Theodore “Ted” H. Penas, 90

Theodore “Ted” H. Penas, age 90 of North Branch, passed away on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at Parmly on the Lake in Chisago City, Minnesota.

Ted was born on May 6, 1932 in Greenbush (Roseau County), Minnesota to parents, Joseph and Jordis (Nelson) Penas. He enlisted in the Army and served his country during the Korean Conflict. Ted worked his entire life as a truck driver but also farmed and was a foster parent for 28 years.

Ted is survived by his son, Tim Penas of North Branch; foster sons, Scott (Gretchen) Kappes of Circle Pines and their children, Nicholas and Stephanie and David Hall of Missouri and his daughter, Crystal; sisters, Gail (Max) Ybarra of Andover, Joyce Mooney of Rogers and Norma Goings of Oak Grove and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Joyce; brothers, Darol and Howard; brother-in-law Thomas Goings; niece Tammie Andersen; brothers-in-law Joe Mooney; Joe Paulson; and brother and sister-in-law, Dale and Bev Farr.

A Celebration of Life Service took place on Friday, July 22, 2022 at the Isanti Community Center in Isanti, Minnesota. Pastor David Stertz officiated. Interment took place on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at the Bethlehem Cemetery in Backus, Minnesota.

Below is a poem printed in the Grandstrand Funeral Homes program for Penas.

TO THOSE I LOVE

When I am gone, release me, let me go-

I have so many things to see and do.

You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears-

Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love. You can only guess

How much you gave me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown

But now it’s time to travel on alone.

So grieve awhile for me, if you must

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It’s only for awhile that we must part

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won’t be far away, for life goes on.

So if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can’t see me or touch me, I’ll be near

And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear

All of my love around you, soft and clear.

And then, when you must come this way alone.

I’ll greet you with a smile and “Welcome Home.”