Joel Michael Pengra

Joel Michael Pengra, 34, of Waipahu, Hawaii, died February 14, 2023, in Guam while serving as a First-Class Navy Diver.

Joel was born in Salina, Kansas, February 9, 1989, to Robert P. and Christine A. Pengra.  His mother proceeded him in death March 18, 1993.  Joel was united in marriage to Samantha Teramae October 15, 2016.

Joel was a 2007 graduate of Southeast of Saline High School where he excelled in athletics, especially football and baseball.  After graduating, Joel spent a year at Hutchinson Community College studying fire science before enlisting in the Navy May 2009.  In February 2010, Joel graduated from Naval Dive and Salvage Training Center in Panama City, Florida as a Second-Class Navy Diver.  He then reported to Yokosuka, Japan.  In April 2013, Joel reported to Pearl City, Hawaii and qualified as a First-Class Navy Diver May 2016.  Joel completed 3 tours with SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One and was most recently a member of Naval Special Warfare Group EIGHT.  Joel received numerous medals and decorations during his naval service.

Also preceding Joel in death were his Grandparents, Robert L. and Carol Pengra and Grandmother Carol Woodard.

Left to mourn are Joel’s wife Samantha, children Ava and Kole, all of home.  Mom and Dad, Angie and Robert Pengra of Salina, KS., sister Alyssa Pengra, twin brother Jordan Pengra and wife Maria, brother Jacob Pengra and wife Megan, nieces and nephews Shailyn Girardot, Mason and Lilah Pengra, all of Kansas City area, Grandparents Bob and Amy Pixler, and Grandfather Gerald Vanover.  Joel also leaves aunts, uncles, cousins and an unmeasurable number of friends and shipmates.

Joel was generous, a loving husband, and trusted father, son, brother, teammate, shipmate, and friend.  Micah 6:8 describes what God requires to live just, do what’s right, be fair, be kind, and show compassion.  Treat each other well, be humble, think of others first and to walk quietly with God.  Joel lived as he was required to live.

In Hawaii, there has been a formal military memorial, funeral, and burial service.  Joel was laid to rest February 28, in Hawaii Veterans Cemetery, Kaneohe, Oahu, Hawaii.  There will be a memorial service honoring Joel Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Emmanuel Foursquare Church, 1325 East Cloud Salina, Kansas.

Suggested memorials include The Navy Seal Foundation or The First Tee of Salina.

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