John Penner

Obituary

John Penner, 87, of Steinbach, MB, formerly of Roseau River, passed away Tuesday, August 1, 2017, at Bethesda Regional Health Center, Steinbach, MB.

He is survived by his loving wife Tina of 63 years, daughters Kathy (Leonard) Friesen, Elizabeth (Ike) Doerksen; sons: Ed (Yvonne), Dave (Joyce), Bill (Brenda) and families (16 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren). He is also survived by three sisters: Mary, Agatha, and Ann, and one brother Jac.

He was predeceased by his parents Henry & Maria Penner, step-mother Elizabeth, two brothers, and one sister.

John grew up on the family farm in Barkfield, MB. He spent a lot of the time in his early years in the bush camps. He then started working for MTS in 1954. John met the love of his life Tina and married her June 27, 1954. He continued working full time at MTS, and farmed with the assistance of Mom. He worked for Vita Creamery, hauling cream from the farmers yards, lifting and carrying 2 8-gallon cream cans at a time. He would haul them to Vita Co-op. We all have fond memories of having rides with his cream truck. We would stop at Tolstoi Store for a Pepsi or 7up and when we got to Vita, we would go to Vita Motor Inn and have pie. Another memory is when Dad came home with his cream truck. He pulled a brand-new bike out for us kids to share.

In 1960, Mom & Dad moved to Roseau River and started a dairy farm. They milked cows by hand and threshed their crops with the old-fashioned threshing machines. Mom & Dad worked hard to provide for the family and gave each and every one of us a great life.

Dad had a heart for everyone. If there was a neighbor that needed help, he was there for them. He would go out and help no matter what they needed. He also spent many hours volunteering at Roseau River Bible Camp cutting grass, building cabins, and helping in the kitchen. He loved going to camp and listening to the evening services with the children. He loved the enthusiasm of the children singing.

He had a special love for children. Dad’s eyes always sparkled when his grandchildren and great-grandchildren came to visit.

Dad and Mom made no differences in the children and their spouses. They loved each one the same and made them all feel welcome.

Dad was baptized on the confession of his faith on June 29, 1952, at the Spenser Bergthaler Church, where he attended as a child till they moved to Roseau River. They started attending the Stuartburn Sommerfeld Church until they moved to Steinbach almost nine years ago. During their retirement years in Steinbach they attended the Steinbach Sommerfeld Church. Dad loved the Lord and shared this with his family on his passing days. His wish was that he would meet each and every one in his eternal home. Dad’s final words were: “Follow the Lord.”

“…choose this day whom ye will serve but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Special thanks to all the staff at Bethesda Hospital that took care of John. He appreciated each one of you.

Viewing will be Saturday, August 5, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., with a devotional at 7:30 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB, and prior to the service.

The funeral service will be held Sunday, August 6, 2017, at 1:30 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, with interment at Stuartburn Sommerfeld Cemetery.

Donations in memory of John may be made to Roseau River Bible Camp, Box 110, Roseau River, MB R0A 1P0.

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