Arthur Penner
1929 - 2013
Arthur Penner aged 83 years formerly of Horndean, MB passed away peacefully on Saturday January 12, 2013 at Salem Home in Winkler, MB.
Dad was born on July 9, 1929 to John J. P. and Katharina (nee Friesen) Penner of Weidenfeld, MB. Dad grew up on a farm in Weidenfeld with four brothers and one sister. Growing up during the depression meant they had to depend on each other for their entertainment. As a family, we enjoyed hearing dad tell stories about their escapades, adventures and the mischief they got into. He attended the Sommerfeld Church and was baptized upon confession of his faith in June of 1950. In his early 20s, Dad met the love of his life, Dorothy Siemens. They were married on September 21st, 1952 and they shared nearly 56 years together. Dad loved taking care of mom; it gave him great pleasure to buy her a new dress, give her a big hug and kiss at the end of a hard working day, and build her dream home. Growing up we as kids never doubted the love Dad had for our Mom. Dad enjoyed farming and he had a great respect for the land and all growing things. We all have memories of piling in the car to go “check on the crops” - something dad did often. Dad was not afraid to explore new opportunities – he raised pigs, cows, and chickens, worked at a butcher shop, grew specialty crops, and owned and operated a seed cleaning business. Dad had other interests beyond the farm. He served as a trustee on the school board for many years. Dad always had a deep passion for politics – from what was happening locally, to the global political arena, Dad was always in tune with the latest news and he enjoyed debating political issues. When we reflect on dad’s life, perhaps the one thing that will stand out will be his love for music. He has truly left a legacy of this through the family as every one of his children and grandchildren enjoys and appreciates music. Dad was always singing! To his final days, he would burst into song at any moment and his tenor voice was always appreciated. Dad sang in choirs and quartets, played violin in an orchestra and loved singing with his brothers. A family get-together was not complete without gathering around the piano to sing some of dad’s favourite songs. Dad loved the violin throughout his entire life, and was very proud when his granddaughter Elise learned to play his favourite instrument. He loved and enjoyed his grandchildren and each one was the apple of his eye. As a family we are comforted knowing that dad is reunited with his favorite dancing partner, our mom, in heaven.
He is survived by five daughters and two sons and their families; Jeanne and Rudy Fast, Elise (Frank) Ainley and their son Sebastian, Jared and Jordan Fast, Newmarket, Ontario, Harvey and Linda Penner, Matthew, Danielle and husband Shaun of Spruce Grove, AB, Brenda Sawatzky, Vancouver, B.C. Aven (Angela) Sawatzky, their children Hope and Maverick, Erin and Tommy Truong, and their son Sammy Truong of Langley, B.C., Jolene and Joe Johnston, Reid, Josh and Luke Johnston of Fort St. John, B.C., Valerie and Karl Dick of Dalian, China, Tyler and Jessica Dick, Vancouver B.C., Mitchell Dick of Ottawa, ON, Glori and Ed Dalke , Eric, Shane, Leanne and Austin Dalke of Morden, MB, Myron and Andrea Penner, Elle and Paige Penner of Abbotsford, B.C. He is also survived by two brothers Don and Chris Penner, Altona, MB and Walter and Lydia Penner, Winnipeg, MB, brother-in-law Henry and Evelyn Siemens, Winkler, MB and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday January 15, 2013 at the Morden Sommerfeld Mennonite Church with interment at Weidenfeld Cemetery.
Our family would like to express our sincere thanks to the staff at Salem Home for the excellent care you gave our father while he lived at Salem. Thank you to Joel Klassen for your special talents as music therapist and for participating in the service. Thank you to Tannis Collins for playing piano. Thank you to many friends that visited dad throughout the years after mom was gone. Thank you to Art Wiebe and the Sommerfeld Church for your service to our family. Thank you to Kiley Wilson and Wiebe Funeral Chapel, Morden.
Wiebe Funeral Chapel, Morden
In care of arrangements
wiebefuneralhomes.com