FRANK PENNER

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FRANK PENNER

Frank Penner was born August 12, 1933 to John and Elizabeth Penner on a small farm in Springstein, Manitoba, the fifth of seven children. As a youngster, Frank helped out on the farm with chores and learned to be handy. He loved reading and continued to enjoy it for the rest of his life. He attended the University of Manitoba where he obtained a Civil Engineering degree and a Master of Science. To support his family, Frank worked for the Manitoba Government for many years. He was always interested in bridges and ditches. He and his wife Elfrida raised four children. All of them love to read. None like ditches.
In his leisure time, Frank loved the outdoors, especially mountains. Frank and Elfrida took their children and grandchildren on many camping and canoe trips, passing on their love of God's creation. Together Frank and Elfrida were blessed with good health and their love of walking led them to hike the Bruce Trail in Ontario, the Camino de Santiago in Spain, the Appalachian Trail in the U.S., trekking in Nepal and many other hiking, canoeing, skiing and cycling trips. He and Elfrida were founding members of the Grey Hares, an outdoor club that continues today.
Frank volunteered at his church as treasurer, moderator and boys' club leader for many years. He also volunteered at his local community club and was very good at visiting older shut-ins, especially ones who didn't have many visitors.
People and family were more important to Frank than material things. As his children learned to drive, side view mirrors were knocked off the family car. It was no big deal. Mirrors could be replaced. The children grew up but the last mirror was knocked off Frank's car by a daughter in November 2017.
As Frank entered his later years, memory loss became an issue. This was hard for him. However, visits with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren gave him a lot of pleasure.
Frank passed away on May 15, 2019 while going for a walk with Elfrida.
Frank and Elfrida's family includes daughters, Laura (Bob), Dorothy (Douglas), Margaret (Keith), and son Albert. Frank was proud of each of his grandchildren, Lisa, Colby, Alex, Taylor, Elizabeth and Sarah. Frank delighted in his great-grandchildren, Cohen, Finn, Walter, Sebastian and Juliette.
The funeral service will be held at McIvor Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 10:30 a.m.

Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenedenmemorial.ca

Glen Eden Funeral Home
204-338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 18, 2019