On
Sunday, April 15, 2007, after a courageous battle with cancer and with his
family by his side at Boundary Trails Health Centre, Bernard “Bernie” John
Penner aged 58 years of Plum Coulee, MB went to be with his Lord.Bernard John Penner
1948 –2007
On
Sunday, April 15, 2007, after a courageous battle with cancer and with his
family by his side at Boundary Trails Health Centre, Bernard “Bernie” John
Penner aged 58 years of Plum Coulee, MB went to be with his Lord.
Bernie was born on August 30, 1948 in Winkler, MB and was raised near Plum Coulee. He was baptized upon confession of his faith in May of 1973 at the Winkler Sommerfeld Mennonite Church. He married Helen Wiebe on August 26, 1973.
He was a surveyor with Manitoba Water Stewardship for thirty-two years. He was employed by Christian Blind Mission International as District Manager of Donor Relations for 4 years; after this he moved to private industry. He ended his career as construction Inspector for the City of Winkler.
Bernie was active in the church as a Sunday school teacher, Sunday school Superintendent, youth leader, clubs teacher, clubs director and deacon. He was involved in numerous community service projects and committees. Bernie enjoyed camping, fishing, gospel concerts, socializing with friends and traveling.
Although the last two and a half years were difficult, he faced each day with faith, courage, grace and determination. He would not let a terminal illness wound his spirit or his will.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife, Helen (nee Wiebe) of Plum Coulee; 1 daughter, Sheri and Jake Unrau of Winkler; 2 sons, Michael and Marge of Plum Coulee and their daughter Claire, Darin and Tanya of Winnipeg as well as 1 sister, Grace and John Fehr of Altona and 1 brother, James and Gloria of Rosser.
He was predeceased by his parents John L. and Anna (nee Martens) Penner.
Funeral service held on Thursday, April 19, 2007 at 2:00 pm at Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church with Rev. Glen Siemens and Henry Neufeld officiating. Interment followed at the Plum Coulee Cemetery.
The family would like to thank Dr. Gordon Zacharias, Dr. Bob Menzies and the staff of CancerCare and Palliative Care. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Bernie’s memory to either In Touch Ministries Box 4900 Markham, ON L3R 6G9 or Christian Blind Missions International Box 800 Stouffville, ON L4A 7Z9.
Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler in care of arrangements.