JOHN J. PENNER

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JOHN J. PENNER 1921 2011 In sadness we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, John J. Penner, aged 90 years, on August 2, 2011. Dad was born on May 11, 1921, and grew up in the Bloomfield district of Manitoba. When he was not working on the farm he would be either playing baseball in the summer or out skating in the winter. It was when he was out skating that he met the love of his life, Kay Tina Wiebe, they would be married August 2, 1942. Just four months after being married, Dad was ordered to go work in the coal mines in Estevan, Saskatchewan as part of the war effort. When that ordeal was over Dad got back to the business of farming, something he would take great pride in for the next 43 years. After retiring from farming, dad would spend much of his time either golfing or taking care of the yard, or driving out to the farm to survey the land. He and mom also became snowbirds, spending many cold winters in Phoenix. He was, however, happiest when surrounded by family; being his siblings or the on-growing brood of Penners. Dad very much enjoyed his home town of Winkler, in the earlier years, when time, allowed working at the hockey rink or the Co-op store and serving on the board. Much time was also spent visiting with his many friends at the various coffee shops around town. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Kay, his parents, John and Mary Penner and his brother, Henry. John is survived by his daughter, Julie (Dan) Perrier, sons, Wayne (Doreen) Penner, Lorne (Sigrid) Penner, nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, sisters, Anne (George) Braun, Elsie Janeski, brother, Jake (Katie) Penner as well as special in-laws, Toots and Lyle, Ettie, nephews, nieces and friends. Viewing will be on Friday from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Wiebe Funeral Home 121 8th St. in Winkler and at the church prior to the service. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church 252 6th St. Interment to follow at Winkler Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to the Mennonite Central Committee, 134 Plaza Dr. Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9. Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler In care of arrangements, 325-4201 wiebefuneralhomes.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 04, 2011