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Roy W. Pengra
8/1/1947 - 5/30/2025
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Obituary For Roy W. Pengra
Roy W. Pengra died Friday, May 30 in an accident at his home on Lame Johnny Creek at 77 years of age.
Lilah Morton Pengra, his wife, survives him.
His sister, Patricia (Pengra) Monaghen, and nephew, Sean Monaghen, both of Kansas, survive him. His extended relatives, Jane (Morton) Weede, Lilah Haxton, Ruth (Haxton) Huffman, Daniel Weede and Dean Weede, also survive him.
His parents, Victor and Gladys (Burton) Pengra, sister-in-law, Judy (Morton) Haxton, and nephew, David Weede, predeceased him.
He and Lilah both graduated from Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa and were married there two days before their graduation in 1969. He earned a doctorate in mathematics at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Roy completed a first draft of his The Elementary Functions and Riemann Integration and was revising the manuscript until the day before his death.
Roy returned to South Dakota in 1980 and, together with his wife, designed and built an underground, passive solar home. A few years ago, he retired from Ainsworth Benning Construction Company as a Site Supervisor.
He played cornet in Rapid City High School Band, Grinnell College Orchestra and Rapid City New Horizons Band. He loved his cats, music and science fiction.
Roy’s cremains will be scattered on his property later this summer in a private gathering.
Donations in his memory can be made to the Pioneer Fund of Grinnell College, 733 Broad Street, Grinnell, Iowa, 50112. https://campaign.grinnell.edu/priorities/pioneerfund.
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Condolences
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06/06/2025
Today, I was remembering Roy who was the only person who welcomed me in warmth when we started graduate school together in 1969. He was so bright, so caring, so helpful. So, I thought I would look him up to say thanks, only to meet the news of his passing. What a shock, even for me, who has been out of touch for more than 50 years. My condolences to his family. RIP, Pengra! We solved many problems together.
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06/05/2025
Roy was a loved member of Grinnell College Class of '69. His creative life is admired by classmates. He will be missed. Sending condolences and love to Lilah.
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06/03/2025
I enjoyed Roys wonderful sense of humor in the New Horizons Band, he did love his cornet!! Cindy Rains
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06/03/2025
Remembering Roy - where to start? Roy was extremely versatile. He had so many interests: camping, bird watching, jazz, woodworking and of course, math. There wasn't a piece of wood Roy couldn't turn into a work of art. The unique home he and Lilah built is the ultimate testament to his talents. During the grad school years when his sister was pregnant he built a beautiful cradle for her. He promised to make one for me when I had a baby. When this did finally happen we were living in Africa. I reminded him of his promise and he responded in usual Roy humor that he could send directions for my husband to build one! Thinking of you, Lilah and all the good times. Helen Potter
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06/01/2025
Lilah, sorry to hear about Roy. My Mother Ida Muree always appreciated the times you and Roy got together with family and friends. Elaine St. Pierre
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