ERNEST GLENN PENNER

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ERNEST GLENN PENNER October 11, 1936 - August 3, 2016 Ernest Glenn Penner, 79, peacefully passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at Bethesda Place Personal Care Home, Steinbach, MB, after a long struggle with Parkinson's disease. He leaves behind his wife Linda of 56 years, daughters: Judy, Gwen (Pierre) and Suzanne. Son Michael and two grandchildren Michelle and Justin. Ernie was born October 11, 1936 to Abram K (AK) and Marie Penner. He began his life living on the family farm near Blumenort, Manitoba. As a young man, he persuaded his father and oldest brother to discontinue farming and enter the logging industry. This was the beginning of E.G. Penner Building Centre and later Penn-Co Construction. At this time, he also married the love of his life, Linda Janzen on August 26, 1960. Ernie and Linda were the best of friends and enjoyed a long and enriched marriage. Although he was a very busy man, he always managed to find time to spend with his wife and four children. The memories of those many family vacations will never be forgotten. Ernie was a very intense person with true vision and passion. When he started a new project, he did so with great gusto. Be it the development and construction of Clearspring Village Mall in Steinbach or the construction of the newest building centre on Park Road West. Ernie never attended university, but his voracious reading more than made up for it. He frequently said that he attended the school of hard knocks." Ernie employed many people over the years and was always concerned about the welfare of his employees and their families. He made sure that he never missed a payroll even though business was not always easy. This continued to be a concern of his, almost to the end when he would ask the nurses at Bethesda Place if "they were treated fairly and being paid well." He always displayed a generous spirit with his family, his employees, the community, the church, and numerous charities. Ernie will be greatly missed by all people who came into contact with him. We as a family would like to thank the staff at Bethesda Place for their compassionate care. The funeral service will be held on Monday, August 8, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church, 360 McKenzie Ave, Steinbach, MB, with burial at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB. Viewing will be at the church prior to the service. Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 06, 2016