Leonard Roy Penner

Obituary

Our hearts are filled with both sadness and gratitude as we remember the life of Leonard Roy Penner – a man whose faith, music, and love for his family shaped everything he did.

Len was part of a large and loving family, one of eight siblings and is survived by his sister Kae and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his parents Peter H. and Katherina Penner and his siblings Peter J., Jacob, John, George, Betty, and David.

Family was at the center of Len’s world. He was a proud father to Keith (Rita), Steve (Jackie), Allan (Lisa), and Bruce, and a loving grandfather to Danielle (Tyler), Marcel, Monique, Ben, Colton, Keenen, Jaiden, and Allanah (Micah). His joy grew even greater as he became a great-grandfather to Lucas, Carter, Isabelle, and Sophie.

When he married Jane (née Hankinson), his family grew even larger. He was proud to welcome Trevor (Heather) and Karen into his heart and home. He deeply cared for their children – Justin, Leticia, and Evan (Breanna) Kyla (Jordan), Amelia, Bennett, and loved them as his own grandchildren.

Following his marriage to Jane, Len’s life took him from Winnipeg to Hadashville to Randolph, and finally to Steinbach, where he enjoyed his retirement surrounded by family and friends.

Len’s hands were always busy and his heart always full. Whether he was tending to his horses, gathering eggs from his chickens, or building something in his workshop, Len found peace and purpose in the rhythm of farm life. He had a special bond with animals and a gift for creating-traits that reflected his gentle and steady spirit.

Len’s faith guided him through every chapter of his life. He loved gospel music, especially the rich harmonies that filled the room when he sang with his family. Those who were lucky enough to join him in song know how his face would light up with joy and how his voice carried warmth and peace. His happiest moments were often spent performing with his boy, the men’s choir or solo at numerous events, creating music that touched both hearts and souls.

For more than 35 years, Leonard found great joy and purpose in teaching, spending most of his career at John Pritchard and Chief Peguis schools in Winnipeg. He cared deeply for his students and colleagues, and his influence as an educator and mentor continues to live on in the many lives he touched.

Len will be remembered for his kindness, his humor, his creativity, and his unwavering devotion to those he loved. His life was a song of faith and family-a melody that will continue to echo in the lives of everyone who knew him. He loved to share a joke with everyone he met.

“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth.” ~ Psalm 100:1

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, Manitoba. Following the service, a private family interment will be held at Glen Lawn Cemetery in Winnipeg.