JOHN PENNER

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JOHN PENNER Surrounded by his family, John Penner passed away peacefully into the arms of his Saviour on Wednesday, May 25. He was 88 years old. John is survived by his dear wife of 64 years, Helen (Enns) Penner; his children Reinhardt (Irene), Ruth Rempel, Linda Martens (Harvey), Alfred (Vernelle), Marlene Penner Epp (Gerhard), Kathy Penner-Dyck (Paul), John (Deanna) and Dorothy Van Doeselaar (Bill); 24 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Heinrich. He is predeceased by three sisters; two brothers; one son-in-law; and three grandchildren. John was born on February 21, 1928 in Alexandrovka, Russia to Gerhard and Katarina (Derksen) Penner. After surviving life in communist Russia and the Second World War, John immigrated to Canada, settling in Winnipeg in 1948. The next year he met Helen Enns at a church picnic, and they married two years later. John owned and operated a stucco and plastering company. His deep faith led to his involvement at church, where he served as a Sunday School teacher and deacon for many years. He was an avid supporter of Westgate Mennonite Collegiate and volunteered his time with Meals on Wheels. He enjoyed music, gardening and spending time at the family cottage at Ingolf, Ontario. John was a generous man, always willing to give of his time, money and talents. He loved his grandchildren and was overjoyed to become a great-grandfather. Toward the end of his life, John lived with dementia and other health challenges, eventually moving into Bethania Personal Care Home where he lived his last days. We love you very much and we'll miss you until we meet again. A service will be held on Monday, May 30, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Douglas Mennonite Church (1517 Rothesay Street), preceded by a viewing. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to Bethania Personal Care Home.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 28, 2016