Dorothy Penny

Dorothy Nider was born on May 24th 1926 to Claude Nider and Mathilde (Tillie) Wolters Nider in Fairbury, NE.  She was the 4th of 8 children born to them.  The Nider family moved south of Harbine, NE, in 1933 and then to Knowles, CA in 1945 for Claude’s health which was near his sister.

Dorothy would tell her children that times were tough growing up, but living on a farm they had fresh farm products such as milk, cream, butter, chickens, eggs, and pork. Summer time garden of carrots, beans, tomatoes and potatoes were canned and along with summer sausage were put in the cellar for the winter.

Dorothy’s parents moved to Burlington, CO during wheat harvest of 1949, and she came to Burlington on her vacation that summer. It was on a Saturday night that Dorothy’s brother, Louis, took her to the Armory to meet the gang around town, where Gene Penny asked her to dance. Later, Gene asked her to go to the show. After going back to her work in California, Gene and Dorothy would write letters and talk on the phone.  California and its warm climate pulled at her, also leaving sisters who were there, but she still decided to return to Burlington following her heart.

Mr. Reinecker, at the Bank of Burlington, hired Dorothy as a teller which she loved. She was thankful for the job so she could stay in Burlington.

Gene and Dorothy were married 6 mo. later on May 28, 1950. Five children were born to them; Norman, Gary, Gregory, Kevin and Julie. They were blessed with 14 grandchildren, which they loved dearly.

Gene and Dorothy had a wonderful life playing golf, dancing, painting, playing cards and spending time with family and friends.  Their house was always active with the neighborhood clan as they had a trampoline and generally cookies (diet ones during wrestling season). Gene and Dorothy would take their children to worship at the Methodist Church which is located across the street from their house.  Dorothy did the books for the church for many years. She also trained her daughters-in-laws to help with harvest meals.  Dorothy was a dedicated member of PEO Chapter AX for 69 years.

Gene died after a severe heart attack on April 20, 1998 at 73 years old.  She would also lose her oldest son, Norman, age 54, while on a bike ride with his brother, Gary.  Dorothy was very energetic and in her later years, she loved to have her hair fixed Friday morning and then play bridge on Friday afternoon.  She would let her children know that it was important to have good cards and a good partner.  She continued doing morning yoga & pilates until her last few months.  Dorothy went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday June the 4th at the age of 96 with family by her side.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents Claude and Mathilde, sisters Lucille & Betty, brother Louis, husband Gene and son Norman.

She is survived by sisters Arleen, Maxine & Marilyn (Al), brother Dale, sons Gary (Lynette), Greg (Tara), Kevin (Jeana), daughter Julie (Dub) and a daughter-in-law Susanne, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews who loved her.