Ryan M. Pennings

PENNINGS, Dr. Ryan M.
Chicago, Illinois
Formerly of Kalamazoo, Michigan Ryan M. Pennings, age 29, went home to his Lord and Savior Tuesday evening, January 8, 2013, after a second courageous battle with Ewing Sarcoma. He was born on November 12, 1983, in Kalamazoo, MI. He was a much loved son, brother and friend; a young man after God's own heart. Ryan was a member of Westwood Christian Reformed Church in Kalamazoo and attended Covenant Presbyterian Church in Chicago. Ryan graduated from Kalamazoo Christian High School, received a B.A. degree from Calvin College, and graduated with a doctorate in Physical Therapy from Central Michigan University in 2010. He was employed as a physical therapist at St. Mary's Resurrection Life Hospital in Chicago for 20 months. Ryan was preceded in death by: an infant brother, Jason Pennings; maternal grandparents, Jacob and Marion Tolsma; and paternal grandfather, Wilbur Pennings. Left to survive his loss are: his parents, Bradley and Jan Pennings; brothers and sister-in-law, Brett and Gina Pennings of Grand Rapids, MI, Craig and Chad Pennings of Kalamazoo; grandmothers, Margaret Pennings and Betty Tolsma; and aunts, uncles and many cousins. In accordance with Ryan's wishes, cremation has taken place. A gathering of family and friends will be held Friday from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street. A memorial service to celebrate Ryan's life will be held 1:00 Saturday afternoon at Westwood Christian Reformed Church, 620 Northampton, with Pastor Dale Slings, officiating. On Sunday afternoon, January 20, a gathering of family and friends will be held in Chicago beginning at 2 pm with a memorial service at 3 pm Chicago time at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2012 W. Dickens Avenue. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to two charities that were close to Ryan's heart; Breakthrough Urban Ministries, P.O. Box 47200, Chicago, IL 60647 or International Justice Mission, P.O. Box 58147, Washington, D.C. 20037.