ALVIN PENNER

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ALVIN PENNER Alvin Penner passed away peacefully on February 5, 2009 after a lengthy struggle with cancer. He was born March 23, 1926 to Frank and Tina Penner of Hepburn, SK, the second youngest in a family of eight children. In 1946 he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized as a member of the Dalmeny Mennonite Brethren Church. On October 4, 1950 he was joined in marriage to Irma Buhler. Following Alvin's graduation from Bethany Bible Institute, they entered the ministry together, serving a total of eight communities within Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Manitoba. In 1987 they concluded their pastorate at Manitou, after 35 years of serving God together in church ministry. They moved to Winnipeg serving together in the chaplaincy ministry at Donwood Manor. On May 13, 1993, his beloved wife Irma passed away. Thereafter Alvin continued his ministry at Donwood Manor by himself. On September 3, 1994, he was joined in marriage to Alma Willems. In December of 1995 he retired from Donwood Manor and moved with Alma to Saskatoon. He served for a number of years as a chaplain and volunteer at Central Haven, Spruce Manor and Bethany Manor. He found much joy in his involvement with the Bethany Manor choir and orchestra. He also enjoyed volunteering, along with Alma, at the M.C.C. Clothes Closet store. Alvin was predeceased by his first wife Irma; son Terry; parents, Frank and Tina Penner; sister Martha; and brothers, Albert, Peter, Frank, Bill, and Arnold. He will be missed by his wife Alma; children, Wendell (Linda) Penner, Mardell (Rob) Neufeld, Curt (Kim) Penner, and Darcy (Kris) Penner; grandchildren, Joel Penner, Ginny (James) Friesen, Stephanie and Evan Neufeld, Brooklyn and Makoy Penner, Kaden and Owen Penner; great-granddaughter Annika Friesen; brother Menno (Adeline) Penner; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews. Alvin is also survived by his step-children Daren (Arlene) Willems, Danni and Jai; Deb (Rob) Kessler, Michael; and Dave (Suzanne) Willems. The family would like to thank Dr. Martens as well as Dr. Stakiw and the staff at St. Paul's Hospital, Saskatoon for their care for Dad during his final days with us. A celebration of Alvin's life will be held Tuesday, February 10 at West Portal MB Church, 3134 33rd St.W, Saskatoon at 1:30 p.m. Interment will take place Thursday, February 12 in Winnipeg at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens, 4477 Main St. (Last Supper section) at 2:00 pm. Memorial donations will be gratefully accepted toward Bethany College or Gideons International. Arrangements entrusted to MARTENS WARMAN FUNERAL HOME (306-934-4888).

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 07, 2009