Our beloved Dr. Penny Hope Kowal passed away unexpectedly at her home in Omaha, Nebraska on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. She was 80 years old.

The daughter of Ralph and Merry (Scamman) Oswald, Penny was born June 17, 1943, in Langdon, Missouri. She graduated from Rock Port High School in Rock Port, Missouri in 1961 and made her way to Northwest Missouri State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree. Later, she attended the University of South Florida, receiving a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in gifted education. Penny ultimately finished her academic training with a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

Penny was a single mother for much of her young adulthood, balancing her devotion to raising her three sons with lofty scholarly and professional goals. She spent most of her professional career with the Millard Public Schools. She held several roles in her 24 years of service, including Coordinator for the Gifted Program, Director of the Gifted Program, Director of Staff Development and Instructional Improvement, and Associate Superintendent for Educational Services. After retiring in 2002, Penny became a curriculum consultant, a life coach, and committed much of her time and energy to helping others.

On November 28, 1987, Penny was united in marriage with Frank Kowal. They made their home and shared life and love in Omaha for 36 years and 1 day.

Penny was a long-standing member of Unity of Omaha, serving in leadership roles over the years and several terms as a board member. A dedicated lifelong learner, Penny nurtured a deep curiosity for innovative ideas, unique ways of being, and for understanding how things work. She was a champion of women’s rights, an enthusiastic traveler, and a lover of literature and music. She cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren and the wet-nosed kisses of her beloved dogs.

Penny was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include children, Chris Rehberg, Matt (Kay) Rehberg, both of Omaha, Henry (Kim) Rehberg, Raleigh, North Carolina, Karan Kowal, Collinsville, Illinois, and Kathy (Brett) Jones, Buffalo, New York; grandchildren, Izabella, Zoe, Lindzey, Cozmo, Anna, Kate, Henry, Aaron, Elena, Hannah, Drew, and Gareth; brother, Rick (Karen) Oswald, Rock Port, Missouri; nephews and niece, Tim, Brandon, and Mandy.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life. Doors open at 5:30 and the services will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 8^th at Unity of Omaha, 3424 N. 90^th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68134.

Memorial donations can be made to the Millard Public Schools Foundation, 5231 S. 159th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68135   https://mpsf.givevirtuous.org/Donate

Cremation Arrangements were provided by Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port, Missouri, and a private family inurnment will be held at a later date.

www.minterfuneralchapels.com