Gail G. Pennau


On the brisk evening of October 9, 2006, surrounded by the warmth of her loving family, Gail G. Pennau, age 72, of Oshkosh, peacefully took hold of the promises given us through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and passed into eternity.


Gail was born in Oshkosh on December 8, 1933, to the late Arthur H. & Linda (Lange) Gruenewald. Raised on Washington Blvd., she moved around the corner to Hazel St. early in her marriage, and lived nearly the entirety of her days on the same block! Gail was a beloved member of the community and of her Oakhaven Church family, a cherished friend and mentor to many. She lived every day to the fullest, always seeking to deepen her faith and relationship with Christ.


Her sister Arlin A. Stoll, mother-in-law Linda E. Kelpert, brother-in-law Karl L. Pennau, and sister-in-law Audrey E. Morrison precede Gail in death.


Gail is survived by her former husband James G. Pennau (Wendy) of Fond du Lac, their children Ellen A. Harwell of Oshkosh, Carrie L. Pennau of Rio Rancho, NM, and Jane E. Carroll (Jeffrey) of Mount Airy, MD; grandchildren Matthew, Anna, and Katie Harwell, Samuel Carroll, and many treasured relatives and friends who showed enormous support to Gail and her family throughout her illness.


Struggles early in life proved to be the fuel for a dramatic transformation that began in the summer of 1976, when Gail chose a path to recovery from alcoholism. She and her daughter Ellen purchased Collectors' Gallery North in the fall of that year, and enjoyed many good years in business together.


Gail lived a life that is to be envied by us all! Her hunger for learning, the pleasure she took in her children, grandchildren and friends, and the joy she found working in her kitchen, garden, and numerous volunteer opportunities filled her life.


She traversed the globe from places like the Holy Land, to the mountains of Scandinavia. As recently as this past year she served as the chef on a "working" reproduction of Columbus' Nina, which sailed the coast of Florida. Her favorite destination was admittedly mother England, where she relished a good cup of tea, historic walks, and the theatre, often with her niece and traveling companion, Ann Friauf.


In the fall of 2005, Gail courageously packed up and moved to Rotunda West, FL. In the ten short months she lived there, Gail developed important friendships that made her feel right at home. Her childlike curiosity, zest for life, adventurous spirit, openness, courage, and faith touched all of those who knew her. Gail has left a beautiful handprint on her family, our community, and our world.


A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, October 14, at Lara's Tortilla Flats (715 N. Main St., Oshkosh) with visitation from 11:00am – 1:30pm, and service at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Gail's name.


L' Envoi by Rudyard Kipling


When Earth's last picture is painted and the tubes are twisted and dried,


When the oldest colours have faded, and the youngest critic has died,


We shall rest, and, faith, we shall need it – lie down for an aeon or two,


Till the Master of All Good Workmen shall put us to work anew!


And those that were good shall be happy: they shall sit in a golden chair;


They shall splash at a ten-league canvas with brushes of comet's hair;


They shall find real saints to draw from – Magdalene, Peter, and Paul;


They shall work for an age at a sitting and never be tired at all!


And only the Master shall praise us, and only the Master shall blame;


And no one shall work for money, and no one shall work for fame,


But each for the joy of the working, and each, in his separate star,


Shall draw the Thing as he sees It for the God of Things as They Are!