Jeffrey Penner

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JEFFREY LORNE PENNER
March 2, 1976 – December 19, 2016

Jeffrey Lorne Penner was born to Lorne and Carol at Ste. Anne, Manitoba, on March 2, 1976. He peacefully left us on Monday, December 19, 2016.

He spent his growing up years in Greenland, taking part in his parent’s farming business. In his later teens, he took a job driving feed truck for Landmark Feeds.

At the age of 13 he gave his heart to the Lord, being baptized on May 6, 1990 by Edgar Wohlgemuth at the Greenland Church. During his youth, he went through some discouraging times, but he sought the Lord, rededicated his life and embraced his faith unto the end.

He married me, Cecile Joy Friesen, on August 16, 1997, giving us 19 1/2 short but wonderful years together. After spending several years in agriculture, we spent 4 years as missionaries in Montreal. We enjoyed meeting many people from different walks of life whose cultures fascinated him. Jeff dedicated himself to learning the French language and used this knowledge to assist in Church translation work. After we came home Jeff took a job at the Gospel Tract Society, once again making use of his French. During this time, he made several trips to Cameroon, and once I was privileged to go along, which made for a memorable trip. Computers and technology always intrigued him, so in 2009 we started a home- based business on the 5th generation Penner property. The business grew and we relocated to a larger place. He really enjoyed the interaction with clients. One special project was setting up the internet filter with the Church technology committee.

We were blessed with 5 children. Being a dad was his absolute favorite occupation. His peaceable nature and interest in others gained him many friends. Family time was very important to him. We enjoyed taking trips, hiking and camping in the Whiteshell, and visiting friends and family. He also enjoyed the time spent on congregational and community projects. In October 2015, we took an unforgettable trip to the Dominican Republic to visit my parents, never realizing this would be our last family vacation.

Two days after his 40th birthday, he was diagnosed with rare adrenal cancer. He enjoyed several months of good health. In spite of surgeries and chemo the cancer spread rapidly. We are so thankful God gave us a chance to celebrate an early Christmas in the hospital. On December 19th, we had a precious morning singing around his bedside. Chelsea, Dylan and myself feel privileged to have been right at his side as he made the final crossing. Although our hearts are shattered, we are so thankful that he is free of cancer and pain.

Those left behind are myself, Cecile, and our children Chelsea, 17, Dylan, 15, Theo, 11, Jethro, 9, and Mia, 6. Parents Lorne and Carol Penner, siblings Elaine and David Bartel, Brenda and Tom Warkentin, Pauline and Mike Goossen, Nelson and Cherolyn Penner, Becky and Brendan Wiebe. Parents-in-law Jesse and Henrietta Friesen, brothers and sisters-in-law Heath and Jeanie Tilton, Crystal and Rod Dueck, Rachel and Darrel Giesbrecht, Sam and Joyce Friesen, Laurel and Karl Klassen, Mindi and Scott Regehr.

We would like to thank the CancerCare team & the staff in the Bethesda Hospital for the excellent care Jeff received.

The viewing will take place on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 162 Hwy 52 W, Steinbach, MB.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, December 23, 2016 at Rosewood Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, 32143 Pr 210, Ste. Anne, MB, with the interment at the church cemetery. Viewing will also be prior to the service.

Arrangements by
Birchwood Funeral Chapel
1-204-346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030

As published in The Carillon on Dec 21, 2016