Dwight A. Penland, 79, a longtime resident of Canute, Oklahoma, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, in Elk City, Oklahoma, with his beloved wife by his side. Born on December 12, 1945, in Knoxville, Tennessee, he was the son of Luther Curtis and Lucille (Runion) Penland.
Dwight spent his early years in Tennessee before his family relocated to Poynette, Wisconsin, in 1957. He graduated from high school in 1964 and remained in the Poynette area until 1982, then moving to Foss (Clinton Lake), Oklahoma. He later settled in Canute, where he made his home for the rest of his life.
On February 19, 1983, Dwight married the love of his life, Sharon Knight Dettmann, in Clinton, Oklahoma.
Their bond was built on deep love, devotion, and shared dreams — many of which Dwight brought to life with his hands.
A master craftsman and custom home builder, he was widely respected for his exceptional woodworking skills.
His quiet wisdom and keen eye for detail made him the go-to person for life’s challenges, offering guidance and solutions to any project.
If Sharon could dream it, Dwight could build it.
Beyond his craftsmanship, Dwight had a deep love for the outdoors. He found joy in gardening, tending his yard, and caring for his animals — especially his chickens, horses, and cattle. However, his greatest joy came from his family. He cherished the meaningful relationships he shared with each of his children and grandchildren, and his love and devotion to Sharon was unwavering.
Dwight was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Bruce Penland and Everett Penland; his sisters, Judy Eichorst and Carolyn Mullens; and his son, Timothy Penland.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; his sons, Gregory Dettmann and his partner Jane Grover of Doylestown, Wisconsin, and Michael Dettmann and his husband James Sumter of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his daughter, Tammy Brereton and her husband Robb of Portage, Wisconsin; his eleven grandchildren: Brittney Stork of Pardeeville, WI; Justin Stork of Rio, WI; Christi Ann Dettmann of Bixby, OK; Clay Dettmann of Lodi, WI; Wade Penland of Yukon, OK; Morgan Stanfield of Misawa, Japan; Mackenzy Spencer of Oklahoma City, OK; Josiah Dettmann of Tulsa, OK; Ryan Penland of Mustang, OK; Ty Dettmann of Cambria, WI; and Ryleigh Dettmann of Fort Gibson, OK; along with Brandon Brereton of Pardeeville, WI; and six great-grandchildren. Dwight’s legacy of love, craftsmanship, and quiet strength will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. For those that knew Dwight, there will be a celebration of life at Lee Hometown Funeral Home on March 29, 2025 at 1PM, with a fellowship gathering immediately after the service.