Thief River Falls- Albert Lee Penas Jr., the son of Albert and Bernice (Wittak) Penas was born on September 30, 1944, in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from Badger High School in 1962. He then attended college in Thief River Falls and received his associates degree in auto mechanics. Throughout college Albert worked multiple jobs including spray plane assistant and drag line operator between Twin Lakes.

In 1965, Albert was drafted into the Army and was stationed in Vietnam. Albert was honorably discharged in 1967 with a rank of E-4. After being discharged, he worked for Sluka Construction...