John Penner

Obituary

John Penner, age 97, of Grunthal, Manitoba, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

Dad was born on July 23, 1928, to Jacob and Margaretha Penner at Chortitz. He was the 9th of 13 children. Dad worked for Winnipeg Transit for 32 years. Dad married Susan Berg on October 4, 1959, and they began their life together. They were married for 31 years and were blessed with 2 sons and one daughter. In 1976, Dad was called into the ministry of the Sommerfeld Church where it was very important to Dad to lead God’s flock. They moved to Grunthal after Dad’s retirement in 1988 from Winnipeg Transit. Mom passed away on July 20, 1991. In 1992 dad began a new chapter in his life when he married Helena Peters on March 21,1992. They lived in Winkler for a few months and then moved back to Grunthal.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Doug Penner (Lisa), Sheila Froese (Bill), Terry Penner (Laura), 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Also left to cherish his memory are his stepchildren, Albert John Peters (Kathy), Bill Peters, daughter-in-law Wendy Peters, Ruth Pauls (Albert), 13 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. As well as one brother, one sister and their families.

Dad was predeceased by his first wife Susan Penner (nee Berg), second wife Helena Peters Penner (nee Friesen), stepson David Peters and step daughter-in-law Lee Peters.

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

The interment will take place prior to the service on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at Winkler Cemetery, 1590 Pembina Ave W., Winkler, MB.