Dick Penner

Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of our dearly loved husband, father, and grandfather, Diedrich (Dick) Penner, 68, of Mitchell, MB. He was called home on Saturday, April 28th, 2018 at his residence, with family by his side.

Left to cherish his memory and honor his legacy are: his beloved wife of 45 years, Doreen (Harms); daughter Jamie; son Devin and wife Ainslie, and their children Sophia, Geneva, and Cooper; and, son Lawney and wife Jamie, and their children Claire, Grady, and William. His siblings, in-laws, their families, and many friends will also sorely miss him.

He was predeceased by his parents, John S. and Maria Penner; brother Jake Penner; parents-in-law John H. and Helen Harms; and sister-in-law, Daphne Harel.

Dick truly had a servant’s heart and took great pride in his community. He gave joyfully of his time and energy, offering humble leadership and a willingness to roll up his sleeves and pitch in. He was filled up by people and thrived on relationships. Dick adored the countless kids that he drove on his school bus over the past 38 years, and enjoyed running a business where he could connect with people throughout each day. But his greatest pride and most cherished time spent were with the love of his life, Doreen, and the family they built together. Of this he could never get enough.

Dick’s relationship with Jesus permeated every aspect of his life. He loved on people, and they loved him back. His passing has left an enormous hole in our hearts and our lives, but we take comfort in knowing that he is with his Lord and Savior, reunited with loved ones gone before him, and waiting for us to come home.

We are so grateful to his wonderful neighbors and the first responders for their valiant efforts to save him. We would also like to express thanks to Ruth at the Bethesda Emergency Department for caring for our family with compassion, respect, and dignity in our time of grief.

Words cannot express our gratitude for the overwhelming amount of love and support that we are receiving as a family.

We would like to honor Dick’s legacy by upholding his passion for the community of Mitchell. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Dick Penner Memorial Fund through the Steinbach Credit Union will be graciously accepted. Funds will be used to support community improvement projects to promote the wellbeing of Mitchell’s residents, whom Dick loved.

The viewing will be held on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at Southland Church, Steinbach, MB, with a devotional at 8:00 p.m.

The funeral service for Dick will be held on Friday, May 4, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Southland Church, Steinbach, MB, with a viewing prior to the service. The burial will follow at Mitchell Memorial Gardens, Mitchell, MB.