CARL PENZEL LEAVES A LASTING MARK BOTH ON AREA CONSTRUCTION AND BEAUTIFUL GARDENS

It can quite literally be said that Carl Penzel built much of Southeast Missouri. Though he died Sunday at the age of 91, his buildings, bridges and roads will remain in use for generations.

Penzel spent more than a half-century in the construction business, joining his father's firm -- which he would later run -- in 1930. Over the years, Penzel Construction Co. built much of the stretch of Interstate 55 that runs through the region and countless miles of others roads, as well as numerous buildings including the Florshiem plant in Cape Girardeau and the Jackson Chamber of Commerce building.

Penzel's creations weren't limited to the man-made. As an award-winning gardener, he was as skilled at creating through natural means as he was with concrete.

In both areas, Carl Penzel has left a lasting legacy in Southeast Missouri.