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HELMUT PENNER Born in February, 1920 in Tiegenhof in the then Free State of Danzig, Helmut Penner grew up in a Mennonite community and was baptized into the Mennonite faith. At 18 years of age, after his father's untimely demise, he took over the management of the family general store. In 1939, though an unlikely candidate for war duty, he was pressed into military service. Taking advantage of a seven day leave to marry his beloved wife Lotte with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage before she died of the ravages of Alzheimer's in 2006. In 1943 he served time as prisoner-of-war in the United States and was released in 1946. A joyful reunion with his wife and his three year old daughter, whom he met for the first time, ensued. Through the auspices of the MCC, a major move to Canada in 1949 signaled the beginning of a new and happy life in a welcoming country, crowned by the birth of a son in 1952. Helmut Penner was a dedicated provider for his family and a loyal, longstanding employee of Winnipeg Transit, working for the City of Winnipeg for 36 years. He loved music, especially chamber music, and participated in the Manitoba Music Festival in the Solo Recorder Class for some 50 years. An avid fitness and sports enthusiast, he took up windsurfing at the family cottage at Lake Winnipeg near the age of 60, enjoying the benefits of regular walking and swimming. Helmut Penner was ever grateful for the sustaining presence and support given to him and his family by the Mennonite community in general and First Mennonite Church in particular. His contribution to the church's ministry took the form of playing music for worship services. He had a strong faith. This, and his determination to live a good life, carried him through the uncertainties of his young adult years, the perils of war, and the anxieties of emigrating, leading to a rich and positive family experience from which his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have benefited in large measure. Left to mourn his passing on November 28, 2013 are his daughter Gisela O'Brien (Joe) and son Reinhard Penner (Christine), grandchildren John O'Brien (Rosella Diliberto), Kyna Mason (Adrian) and Tim O'Brien (Dina), and Heidi Wiebe (Tyler), Victor Penner (Mercedes Muzychuk) and Kevin Penner (Jillian), as well as 11 great-grandchildren: Kyran and Fabyano O'Brien, Elena and Scarlet Mason, Oliver and Clive O'Brien; Vienna and Elise Wiebe, Bella, Brody and Piper Penner. Funeral service Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at First Mennonite Church, 922 Notre Dame Avenue, with viewing prior to the service. Interment in Brookside Cemetery.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 30, 2013
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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I only met Mr. Helmut Penner briefly once one evening, outside Lion's Manor in the West End, while his son Reinhard was driving me home from some activity or other at First Mennonite Church [such being the lot in life when one does not have a driver's licence and/or is not able to afford a motor vehicle]. I had lived briefly in that very area [in a rundown rooming house on Langside], literally only a proverbial stone's throw away, when I had first arrived in Winnipeg from my home town of Sudbury in early 2008 [and, before that, over a decade in the province of Quebec]. This would probably have been two years before he passed on. So it goes. From my perspective, it's nice to be able to finally better fill in some of the missing pieces of the jigsaw comprised of the folks I have met since my arrival here back a decade ago... All the best to the Penners. - Posted by: Horst (Reda) on: Aug 25, 2019
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I am saddened to learn of Helmut's passing. Together we shared many hours in my office discussing his early life, his love of his wife and pride in his family, his enjoyment of music, and particularly participating in the Music Festival. He was a kind and gentle soul and spoke from the heart. It was an honour to know him. My deepest sympathy Gisela to you and your family. - Posted by: Sherry Harris (Lions Manor Friend) on: Dec 03, 2013
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Dear Gisela and Reinhard, It's been many, many years, but, among my fond memories of life on Dominion Street, is your father coming home from work in his Winnipeg Transit blues, and the music of his recorder group floating out the windows into the neighbourhood. My sincerest sympathy, for your loss. I know my mother would like me to extend her condolences as well. Patti - Posted by: Pat Lysenko (nee Findlay) () on: Dec 03, 2013
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My sincere condolences to Gisela and Reinhard and their families. - Posted by: Margaret Young (nee Findlay) () on: Dec 01, 2013
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A noble soul has passed away. We were privileged to know Helmut and Lotte from our early days at First Mennonite. Invitations from them to their little A-frame cottage at Belair led to a marvelous experience of cottage life for our family. Deep in my memory are the sounds of Helmut's accordion playing German folk songs as the sun went down: also, the sight of Helmut, out on the lake for hours, enjoying his sail board. Helmut will be missed by all of us. Our condolences to all the family. We regret that we will not be able to attend the service as we are still in Arizona. Our hearts will be with you. With love, Ruth and Chuck - Posted by: Ruth Vogt Emerick and Chuck Emerick (friend) on: Nov 30, 2013
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A noble soul has passed away. We were privileged to know Helmut and Lotte from our early days at First Mennonite. Invitations from them to their little A-frame cottage at Belair led to a marvelous experience of cottage life for our family. Deep in my memory are the sounds of Helmut's accordion playing German folk songs as the sun went down: also, the sight of Helmut, out on the lake for hours, enjoying his sail board. Helmut will be missed by all of us. Our condolences to all the family. We regret that we will not be able to attend the service as we are still in Arizona. Our hearts will be with you. With love, Ruth and Chuck - Posted by: Ruth Vogt Emerick and Chuck Emerick (friend) on: Nov 30, 2013