Melvin "Mel" D Penner, 83 of Sterling passed away Thursday, August 9, 2018 in Greeley. Visitation will be held from 10 am to 6 pm, Thursday, August 16 at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4 to 6 pm. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am, Friday, August 17, at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor James Nash officiating.  Burial will be held at Riverside Cemetery.

Mel was born in Corn, OK on September 17, 1934, to Dietrich and Martha Penner.  He inherited a marvelous sense of humor from his mother and an incredible mechanical aptitude and work ethic from his father. Being the oldest of 10 siblings, Mel learned responsibility at an early age, and gave his best effort in everything he did.  He worked at a cement factory in Weatherford, OK. Later he left on a harvest run, and ended up staying and farming in Chappell, NE.

Mel married Norma September 23, 1956. Shortly after, he was drafted into the US Army, and served a tour of duty in Germany. Upon leaving the army they farmed in Wray, CO & Chappell, NE. They moved to Sterling in 1966, where Mel farmed, worked as a refrigeration technician at the Sterling Beef Plant and as a custodian for RE-1 Valley School District from which he retired in 2002.

Throughout his life Mel showed his faith by looking for ways to help others with words of encouragement and physical support. He was a long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church. His love of family was always evident. He always maintained his sense of humor and healthy perspective.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Ida Neufeld, and granddaughter Amber Michelle.

Mel is survived by his wife, Norma; son Dave (Pat); son Troy (Chris); grandsons Eric, Kevin (Allie), great granddaughter Amber Paige; step grandsons Robert, Aaron (Megan); step granddaughters April, Tina; step great grandson Robby; step great granddaughters Kaarina, Rachel, Joslynn, and Alaina; brothers Frank, Don and James; sisters Clare, Norma, Marilyn, Dottie, and Edie; brothers-in-law Larry, Gil, and Duane Bettger; sister-in-law Jean Bettger, 8 nieces and 17 nephews.

Contributions can be made in Mel's name to the Trinity Lutheran Church Youth Group in care of Chaney-Reager Funeral Home, PO Box 1046, Sterling, CO 80751.