Verlan and Dixie Penn Celebrate 50 Years

Verlan Penn and Dixie (Gill) Penn, longtime residents of Hiawatha, Kansas, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 8, 2026.The couple both grew up in Sharon Springs, Kansas, where they were united in marriage on May 8, 1976.Verlan dedicated many years to the community as the Hiawatha High School Band Director. After retiring from teaching, he went on to work as a financial advisor with Waddell & Reed. Dixie devoted her early years to maintaining the home and raising their children. Once their youngest started school, she began a rewarding career as a CNA at the Hiawatha Community Hospital.The milestone was celebrated on Sunday, May 10th, with a joyful family gathering that doubled as a Mother's Day celebration.They are the parents of four children: Nissa Wennihan of Odebolt, Iowa; Dana Winters and her husband Jeff of Hiawatha, Kansas; Valance Penn of Topeka, Kansas; and Kayla Penn and her husband Eric Stahl of Sabetha, Kansas.Their legacy includes nine grandchildren: Ashilyn Sunderman (Josh), Tyler Nester, Tristyn Smith (Colton), Adilyn Williams, Conner Winters (Kalli), Parker Winters, Makinsey Winters, Bayleigh Stahl, and Easton Stahl. They are also the proud great-grandparents of Jade Sunderman, Janae Sunderman, and Parker Smith.