Douglas A. Pennock

Douglas Allan Pennock, 55, of Pleasant Plains, Ill., and formerly of Pittsfield, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 25, 2023, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, surrounded by family.  He was born Sept. 5, 1967, in Pittsfield, to John and Lois Willard Pennock.  Doug married Minnesota native Diana Hoffman June 4, 1988, and together they welcomed into the world five children and five grandchildren.

If you ever met Doug, you remember him.  Doug was a 1985 graduate of Pittsfield High School.  He grew up on a farm on the edge of Time, where his parents instilled in him a love for agriculture and the belief that he could do anything.  Doug went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree in agronomy at the University of Illinois in Champaign, and was passionate about his work in agriculture and business development.  Doug is most known for his quick wit, his commanding presence, and his generous spirit.  Doug loved life and was determined to see everything.  He was proud to spend 13 years serving and traveling the world with the Air National Guard alongside his best friends.  Doug enjoyed his daily walks, his many beloved pets and livestock over the years, and having fun with his family.  Doug never missed a thing, and was a walking encyclopedia of movie lines, song lyrics, military history, sports trivia, current events, and more.  At an imposing 6’3”, Doug was a lifelong athlete, who enjoyed competition in all forms; he especially loved dunking on his kids, friends, and any unlucky bystanders.  Doug was a man of seemingly endless talent and knowledge and had a knack for making things happen.  As a result, Doug was the first phone call many would make for advice or assistance and he always answered.

A dedicated father, Doug was immensely proud of each his  five kids, and leaves in his stead a legacy of strength, resilience, courage, and love.

Doug was diagnosed with ALS in 2020.  He, Diana, and their entire family, put up a tremendous fight for over three years.  The Pennock family is incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support through this season.

Doug dedicated his life to helping the people around him grow, evolve, and pursue their dreams.  His loss will be felt deeply in his local and church communities, and by all who knew him.  To say that Doug will be missed is an incredible understatement.

Doug is survived by his loving wife of over 34 years, Diana (Hoffman) Pennock, as well as his parents, John and Lois Pennock of Pittsfield; children, Kristin (Kevin) Pennock-Jackson of Clinton, Stephanie (JJ) Fink of Springfield, Jennifer Pennock of Pleasant Plains, John Douglas ‘JD’ Pennock of Pleasant Plains, and Natalie Pennock of Pleasant Plains; grandchildren, Evelyn, Madelyn, and Oliver Jackson, Jack and Teddy Fink; sisters, Jody (Danny) Heavner of Pearl, and Lori (Andrew) Carby of Normal; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Jess and Frances Willard and Stanley and Velma Pennock; and father-in-law, Jerome Hoffman.

Cremation rites have been accorded and Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 15, 2023, from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL. Memorials are suggested to be made to the family c/o Niebur Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

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