Danny "The Kid" Pens

Danny "The Kid" Pens, 65, of Coal City, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly on July 30, 2026, at Morris Hospital, surrounded by the love of his family and dear friends.

Danny was born on April 4, 1961, in Joliet, Illinois, to Henry Pens and Janis (Ressler) Pens. He grew up in the Joliet and Cherry Hill area, where he developed the quick wit, fearless spirit, and larger-than-life personality that would define him throughout his life. He attended the Joliet school system, where he spent more time getting into trouble than focusing on schoolwork. His greatest life lessons were learned through hard work, loyalty, determination, and an unwavering love for his family and friends.

In 2008, Danny married the love of his life, Sherry Tibble, after sharing more than 40 wonderful years. Their marriage was built on unwavering love, friendship, and devotion, and together they created a home filled with laughter, strength, and unconditional love.

Danny began his career with the Will County Forest Preserve before becoming a proud member of Laborers' Local #75, where he worked until the time of his passing. He believed in providing for his family and took great pride in being a dependable husband, father, and provider. No matter the challenges life presented, Danny was always striving to become a better man for those he loved.

While his work was important, racing was the heartbeat of Danny's life.

His racing journey began in 1981 at Joliet Memorial Stadium with the World of Outlaws Midget Series, following in the footsteps of his father, Henry, an accomplished midget racer, and inspired by his bonus father, Dennis, who first introduced him to the sport. In his rookie season, Danny captured Rookie of the Year honors after finishing ninth in the points standings, and celebrated his first feature victory on July 11, 1981.

From there, "The Kid" built an extraordinary racing career, earning 68 feature victories, four Bob Lockard Memorial wins, the 1993 Illinois State Championship Feature, the 1988 USAC Chicagoland Grand Prix, the Rosemont Horizon Feature, the 1987 ARCA Gulf Coast Series Championship, Team USA Hoosier Dome Feature Winner honors, and induction into the Grundy County Speedway Hall of Fame in 2009. He also established track records at Raceway Park in Blue Island, Illinois; Joliet Memorial Stadium in Joliet, Illinois; Lake Geneva Raceway in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; South Bend Motor Speedway in South Bend, Indiana; and Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna, Wisconsin.

Yet, as proud as he was of every trophy and accomplishment, Danny would have told you that his greatest victories were never won on the racetrack.

His greatest pride was his family.

He was a deeply devoted husband and father whose greatest joy came from spending time with those he loved most. Whether it was taking Henry to a Yankees game, bringing Gina to the races, enjoying family vacations in Florida, or simply making memories at home, Danny treasured every moment. Danny always gave special care to his children, Anthony and Alyssa. He loved each of his children fiercely and worked every day to give them the best life he could.

Danny also shared an incredibly special bond with his mother, Janis. Their daily phone calls and time together were something he treasured, and making sure she knew how much she was loved was always important to him.

The racing community wasn't simply something Danny belonged to—it was family. Through racing, he formed lifelong friendships and passed his love of the sport on to his children, who continue to carry that passion with them today. His garage, his home, and every racetrack he visited became places where friendships were built, stories were shared, and laughter was guaranteed.

Danny had an unmatched gift for making people smile. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. His quick wit, legendary one-liners, playful sense of humor, and the occasional joke that Sherry would simply roll her eyes at became trademarks of the man everyone loved. If there was a jukebox nearby, chances are Danny was filling it with 1980s rock and roll while making sure everyone around him was having just as good a time as he was.

He was also a proud member of the Wilmington Moose Lodge, Irving A.C., Belmont A.C., and Ingalls Park A.C. Being involved in his community and building lifelong friendships meant a great deal to him, and the impact he made reached far beyond Illinois.

Later in life, after walking through difficult seasons alongside his son Anthony, Danny found a renewed faith in God through the Catholic Church. His faith became a source of strength, hope, and peace that remained close to his heart for the rest of his life.

Danny is survived by his beloved wife, Sherry Pens; his cherished children, Daniel, Anthony, Gina, Henry, and Alyssa Pens; his mother and bonus father, Janis and Dennis Devea; his sister, Janine Pens; his aunt, JoAnn Durham; his mother-in-law, Judy (Bob) Mead; along with many extended family members, racing family, and countless dear friends whose lives were forever changed by knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Pens; his grandparents, Joseph and Elizabeth Ressler, and Henry and Christine Pens; his uncle, Joey Ressler; his father-in-law, Bob Tibble; and numerous cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Anthony and Alyssa Pens Specialized Care Fund through Old National Bank to help provide for their continued care and support https://www.gofundme.com/f/anthony-and-alyssa-accessible-van .

The Green Flag (Visitation) will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Rd, Joliet, IL, 60435, on August 6th, 2026. The Red Flag will drop at 6:30 p.m., when the funeral service starts, and will go until the checkered flag waves, marking the end of one incredible race. A private inurnment ceremony will take place at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 23060 W. Jefferson St. Joliet, IL.

Though the race has ended here, Danny's legacy will continue in every lap turned, every story shared, every laugh remembered, and every heart he touched. He loved deeply, lived boldly, and left this world far better than he found it.

The race is won now, Danny. Rest easy, "The Kid"... Godspeed.