Maynard E. "Barney" Penning, age 94, of Grand Rapids, MN passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at his home with his family by his side.

Maynard was born February 9, 1932, on the Anderson Farm in Freeborn County, Minnesota to Erhardt and Hazel (Hansen) Penning. He graduated with the Class of 1950 from Lyle High School in Lyle, MN. Barney continued his education at Luther College in Decorah, IA, earning his teaching degree in 1954. He served in United States Army from 1954 until his honorable discharge in 1956. Barney returned home and pursued advanced studies in Mankato, MN, Pennsylvania, and Oregon.

Barney had a long career as a math teacher, and coached football, baseball, and wrestling in Boyd, Spring Grove, and Rochester, Minnesota.

In 1992 Barney was united in marriage to Lorraine (Gilbert) Fothergill in Grand Rapids, MN. They lived in the home Barney built and loved on Deer Lake. He was a longtime member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Dave and Elroy Penning; mother-in-law Lorraine Gilbert.

Barney is survived by his wife Lorraine; daughters Deb  Godfrey (Todd), Pam Bonham(Merv), Gail Anthony (Fred), Laura Stupar (Mike); son Gordon Fothergill (Jenny) all of Grand Rapids, MN; grandchildren Adam Godfrey (Staci), Kevin Godfrey (Katie), Matthew Bonham, Steph  Koppelman (Nikki), Tasha Koppelman, Nick Koppelman, Jake Zuspann (Kahle), Kelly Zuspann (Scott), Easton Fothergill (Liz), Jaci Fothergill (Andy); nieces & nephews Rick (Sandra), Kent (Barbara), Kevin (Lori), Mark (Cathy), Matthew (Tamera), Karen (Brandon), Sarah (Jason).

Visitation will be held Monday, June 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids, MN with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM. Reverend Dr Patrick Lovejoy will officiate. The rendering of Military Funeral Honors will immediately follow the service at church. Interment will be in Itasca-Calvary Cemetery, Grand Rapids, MN.

Memorials in Barney's memory may be made to Luther College Fund.