Elroy W. Penke, 89, of Waterloo, Illinois, born August 22, 1936, in Danube, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at St. Clare Hospital in Fenton, Missouri.

Elroy was retired from the U.S. Air Force. After his retirement from the Air Force he went to work as a Civil Engineer for the city of St. Peters, MO, where he retired in 2006. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.

Surviving are his wife, Shirley Penke, nee McConnaughey; two sons, Todd and Randy (Toni) and his extended family; Terry (Rhonda) Wheeler, Dan (Andrea) Wheeler, and Dennis Wheeler; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He was also a dear uncle, cousin, and friend.

Friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illinois. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Peter Ill.  Burial will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.