Albert L. Penner

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ALBERT L. PENNER

My loving husband, our Dad and Grandpa, Albert L. Penner was born to Peter J. and Marie Penner on October 3, 1929 at Morris, Manitoba. Dad peacefully passed away at the Maplewood Manor, Steinbach, Manitoba in the morning of October 16, 2014, reaching the age of 85 years and 13 days.

He gave his heart to the Lord and was baptized on November 26, 1943 becoming a member of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite.

Dad grew up and lived in the Rosenort area, attending the country school south of their farm. He remembered farming with horses together with his parents.

On May 3, 1953 Albert married Mary Friesen at Rosenort, Manitoba, sharing the joys and sorrows of life for almost 17 years. Dad and Mom had eight children: four sons and four daughters. Our mother passed away on March 15, 1970 together with a baby boy. Our Aunt Rosella stayed with us for some time helping us and being a mother to us.

Dad was very lonely and God provided a new companion for him. Dad married Doris Warkentin Reimer on November 20, 1970, providing a wife for him and a mother for us. A son and a daughter were born to this union. They lived on the family farm and enjoyed farming together. Dad and Mom bought a retirement home in Rosenort and moved there in 1997. They enjoyed traveling together visiting children, grandchildren, and friends. They shared life together for almost 44 years.

Due to failing health Dad moved to Maplewood Manor in the fall of 2012. Here he spread cheer from day to day. The one thought Dad had was that the Maplewood Manor was the porch to heaven. The nursing staff lovingly and gently cared for his needs. Mom was his mainstay and best friend. He enjoyed the many hours she spent at his side. Dad enjoyed visiting with the different people that came to the manor. He really felt the respect from the staff and visitors.

Last February when Dad was so sick he received a special assurance of being ready to meet Jesus. He prayed a lot for the spiritual welfare of his children and grandchildren. We are thankful for the many valuable lessons he taught us.

Those left to cherish precious memories are his wife Doris; children: Phillip and Cathy, Kelwood, Manitoba; Arlene and Harry Thiessen, Rosenort, Manitoba; Florence, Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia; Evelyn, Altona, Manitoba; Irvin, Morris, Manitoba; Vera and Dennis Loewen, Park River, North Dakota; Maynard, Rosenort, Manitoba; Delano and Flora, Clearwater, Manitoba; Shauna and Monroe Nichols, Osceola, South Dakota; also Lenora Penner; 23 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren; one sister: Verna and Edwin Wiebe, Linden, Alberta; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, one brother-in-law, his first wife Mary and infant son Walter.

The family wishes to thank the staff and residents at the Maplewood Manor for their care and friendship. May God bless you!

Viewing will be held Monday, October 20, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB. Viewing also at the church prior to the service.

Funeral service will be held Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Rosenort Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. Burial to follow at the church cemetery.

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

As published in The Carillon on Oct 20, 2014