Agnes Wiebe Penner

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

AGNES WIEBE PENNER
Agnes Wiebe Penner, our dear mother, was born at Greenland, Manitoba on April 2, 1912 to Jacob T. and Anna Reimer Wiebe. She passed away in the morning on July 19, 2014 at Maplewood Manor, Steinbach, MB, attaining the age of 102.

Mom had a happy childhood, especially enjoying her identical twin sister, Caroline. At age 14, however, her mother died, but she successfully bonded with a new mother. She attended school in Greenland. In her youth, she felt the Saviour calling, and at age 19 she committed her life to the Lord. She was baptized on July 5, 1931 by Min. F. C. Fricke, remaining faithful to her vows to the end. Her Christian life was important to her and although she was not without failings, was willing to acknowledge and confess where needed.

On June 7, 1936 she married our dad, John G. Penner, and together they farmed in the Greenland community for 45 years. Eight daughters and three sons came to bless their home. The death of their son Earl at the age of 10 months brought deep sorrow to our parents’ hearts. A daughter, Eileen, died at birth. Later, the years spent in their retirement home next to the farm were some of their best.

A hundred good years of fulfilling, active life! Mom was a hard worker who, like her mother, raised a large vegetable and flower garden each summer, canning and freezing produce for the winter. She made the best buns besides many other tasty foods. As we worked together on the farm, gathering eggs or hoeing the garden or picking peas, we were taught many important lessons of life, such as strong work ethics and being conscientious. Vacations were enjoyed as a family.

Mom had a happy, outgoing disposition and loved to visit with people. She dearly loved her grandchildren and always made them feel special. Their wellbeing was important to her but the spiritual was paramount and remained so in old age. Yet she had an independent spirit and even in old age wanted to do things for herself. The family gathering on her 100th birthday was thoroughly enjoyed by her.

Mom and Aunt Caroline were always close. Even after marriage they would get together often, and late in life enjoyed a few years together at Maplewood Manor. Aunt Caroline’s death a year ago was a great sorrow to her.

It was hard to leave the comfortable retirement home in Greenland and move to Maplewood Manor, but once Mom accepted the inevitable, she was happy and content. Some difficult experiences of life at this time mellowed her heart, and she declared that there was nothing between her and God or between her and any person. Her days were often cheered by visits from her niece Bertha Giesbrecht as well as others.

Those left to cherish her memory are nine children: Lloyd and Gladys, of Stettler, AB; Marilyn, of Steinbach, MB; Ruth and Leonard Unruh, of Grafton, ND; Florence and John Isaac, of Steinbach, MB; Joyce and Larry Goossen, of Ste. Anne, MB; Sylvia and Leon Wohlgemuth, of Durban, MB; Marvin and Josie, of Ste. Anne, MB; Lorraine and Edgar Wohlgemuth, of Ste. Anne, MB; Joanne, of Mitchell, MB. Also surviving are 28 grandchildren, 66 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; besides sisters-in-law Mildred Penner, Carrie Penner, Evelyn Fricke, Pauline Penner, Rosalie Barkman, and many nieces and nephews.

Mom was predeceased by Dad, one son, one daughter, one son-in-law; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Gone before are her parents, step-mother, and all her brothers and sisters. Her death marks the end of an era.

Thanks are in order for Mom’s single daughters who spent so much love and effort for her in her sunset years, often taking her on the outings she loved. May God bless them for it. We thank the Maplewood Manor staff for loving care she received.

Viewing will be held Monday, July 21, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB. There will also be a time of viewing at the church prior to the service.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Greenland Church of God, Greenland, MB.

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

As published in The Carillon on Jul 21, 2014