Penzel's centennial

Most people have the opportunity to celebrate an individual milestone in their lives. However, not many families can celebrate a multigenerational milestone. That's what Penzel Construction Co. of Jackson did recently.

The Penzel company and more than 300 past and present clients, retired and current employees and subcontractors gathered last Tuesday at The Venue in Cape Girardeau to celebrate 100 years in business for the company spanning four generations.

The Penzel legacy dates back to Johann "John" Penzel, who immigrated from Germany and settled in Jackson in 1854. He and his son, Gustav, started the business by building barns in the Jackson area in addition to farming. Gustav's son, Linus, after doing carpentry work in St. Louis, Kansas, Colorado and Texas, moved back to Jackson and started the construction business with his son, Carl, on March 31, 1910.

Carl Penzel's son, Carl Gene Penzel, joined the family business at age 15 and became a full-time employee in 1959. His son, Phil Penzel, joined the company in 1987 and was named president in 1996.

Penzel has built many of the areas most recognizable structures, including the original Jackson High School, the KFVS12 tower and the Rush H. Limbaugh Sr. U.S. Courthouse. They also did the renovations for the Southeast Missourian.

In an age when staying competitive is increasingly a challenge, the Penzel company has surpassed its customers' expectations. In fact, according to Phil Penzel, the strength of the company can be attributed -- at least in part -- to the challenges each generation has faced. From the Great Depression to Word Wars I and II to the current economic climate, each generation has dealt with adversity head-on and met each challenge.

Penzel Construction Co. has indeed left a strong legacy in Southeast Missouri, one that will continue for many years to come.