SHERMAN–Jean Eyrich Pennell, 76, of Sherman, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, Illinois.

Jean was born October 2, 1947, in New Ulm, Minnesota, the daughter of Loren and Lenore Eyrich. She graduated from New Ulm High School in 1965, Elmhurst College in 1969, and Chicago Theological Seminary in 1976. Jean married Mike Pennell on July 1, 1978 in New Ulm, Minnesota.

Jean was an Ordained Minister in the United Church of Christ. Before her ordination she served as a Christian Education Director for UCC churches in Grand Junction, CO and Grand Rapids, MI. After ordination she served the following UCC churches and one United Methodist Church: Brownton and Glencoe Parish in MN (2 years), Stockland United Methodist Church, Stockland, IL (5 Years), Pierson Station UCC, IL (2 years), and Illini Congregational UCC, Warrensburg, IL (27 years).

Jean was elected as a delegate to the General Synod United Church of Christ on several occasions and served on Conference committees in the Illinois Conference of the UCC. In retirement she was an avid reader and participated in the Sherman Library and First Congregational UCC book clubs.

Jean was nurtured in love and was firm in her belief that God’s love and compassion was unconditional, as exemplified by the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. Jean was a creative person as evidenced by the exceptional sermons she wrote and delivered with an intent to help others feel and become better without lecturing or preaching at them. Jean’s ministry was to invite and teach in a way that encourages us to live in peace and mutual care for one another.

Jean treasured her family with extraordinary love and treated everyone with the same respect, even those with whom she disagreed. She wrote frequent letters to family and friends to share joy or to provide comfort. She rarely missed acknowledging birthdays and special events with creative, heartfelt cards and gifts. Jean spent significant time documenting family history and writing a memoir that will help us share her legacy for future generations. Jean was also an avid reader of books and literature in a wide range of topics.

Jean’s love for her husband Mike, sons Matt and Dave, daughter-in-law Jin, and her grandchildren, Mina and Ian, was evident to all.

She is survived by her husband Mike; sons, Matthew (Jin) of Mahomet, IL and David of Springfield, IL; grandchildren Mina Pennell and Ian Pennell; sisters, Kristine Eyrich (Clarence Zangel) of Albuquerque, NM, Kathleen (Ralph) Van Keulen of Hudson, WI, Lou Eyrich (Robert Schwartz) of Sherman Oaks, CA, Sue Schmidt of Lakeville, MN; brother-in-law Jeff Larson of Watertown, MN, sister-in-law Raye Eyrich of Wilmar, MN; brothers-in-law Jay (Karen) Pennell of Marengo, IL, John (Julie) Pennell of Nashville, TN; nephews Ben Larson, Lance (Laura) Van Keulen, Ryan Schmidt, Cole Schwartz, Brian Pennell (Casey), Craig Pennell; nieces Lisbeth (Marshall) Eyrich-Fischer, Gabrielle Eyrich, Nora Larson (Ben Pederson), Jillian Van Keulen, Ellen (Neil) Becknal, Louise Schmidt, Alicia Pennell, Eva Pennell, Nicole Pennell; 14 great-nieces and nephews; and numerous cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents Loren (Bud) and Lenore Eyrich; sisters Elizabeth Eyrich and Lenore Larson, and brother Ron Eyrich.

Services to celebrate Jean’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 26, 2024, at the Illini Congregational Church, 5187 Kenney Rd, Warrensburg, Illinois. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the Calvert & Wikoff North Chapel in Decatur. Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at Riverside Cemetery in Mahomet, Illinois. Memorials in memory of Jean may be directed to Illini Congregational United Church of Christ, Warrensburg, IL, First Congregational United Church of Christ, 2100 S. Bates, Springfield, IL 62704, or Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County, 2744 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62703. View the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.calvertmemorial.com.

Arrangements by Calvert & Wikoff North Chapel 4020 N. Water St. Decatur.

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