Katherine Penner

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KATHERINE PENNER

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother Katherine Wiebe Penner was born on February 10, 1913, to Peter H. and Katherine Toews Wiebe at Needles, British Columbia. She peacefully fell asleep on Thursday, March 12, 2015, at the Maplewood Manor in Steinbach, Manitoba, having reached the age of 102 years. Mom prayed for a clear mind until the end and God answered her prayer.

Mom was one of thirteen children and at a young age moved to Steinbach with her parents, settling on a farm south of town. Mom had a happy childhood. She finished nine years of school in Steinbach. During her youth she worked as a caregiver in different homes and was employed at St. John's Ravenscourt School in Winnipeg.

Mom told God she wanted to be His child and felt His forgiveness and acceptance. She was baptized on July 28, 1929, into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. The Church was very dear to her throughout her life. Mom married George D. Penner on March 20, 1938. One daughter and six sons were born to this union. Many foster children were also loved and nurtured in their home. Numerous lives were blessed by her special gift of caring.

Dad was ordained to the deaconry on December 16, 1943, and Mom faithfully stood by him in his life of service, giving generously of herself.

Her children and grandchildren and many others will remember her fun-loving nature. Fond memories include: singing, rafting, playing games, garage-saling, story-telling, rug-hooking, eating noodle soup, hugs and kisses, her love of nature, her ability to mend anything, and how she cared about every detail of the lives of the people she loved. Her thankful outlook and friendly personality will be missed by us all.

Remaining with happy memories are her children: Darleen and Norman Wohlgemuth, Bredenbury, SK, Earl and Daphne, Roy and Diane, Steinbach, MB, Lawrence and Bonny, Pine River, MB, daughters-in-law: Verna Penner, Saltcoats, SK, Josephine Penner, Steinbach, MB, and Mabel Penner, Saltcoats, SK; as well as 34 grandchildren, 80 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

Our Mom was predeceased by her husband George in 1984, her three sons: Bruce, Ralph, and George; one grandchild, one great-grandchild, and all her siblings and all of her husband’s siblings.

Special thanks to the staff at the Maplewood Manor for the loving care Mom received during her stay there.

Funeral services will be held March 16, 2015, at the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, in Steinbach, Manitoba, with Michael Penner and Lorne Toews officiating. Burial was in the Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Katherine may be made to Maplewood Manor, 284 Loewen Blvd, Steinbach, MB, R5G 1K3.

Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL
1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in The Carillon on Mar 17, 2015