Penner, Aaron T. (1885-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Oct 30 p. 8

Birth date: 1885 Jan 27

text of obituary:

AARON T. PENNER

It has pleased our heavenly father to call my husband, our father and grandfather to his heavenly home. Aaron T. Penner was born Jan. 27, 1885, to Aron and Gertrude (Toews) Penner in the village of Blumenhof, near Steinbach, Manitoba, and passed away at the home near Inman, Kansas on Oct. 3, 1958, at the age of 73 years, eight months and six days.

When he was seven his mother passed away, and four months later his father was instantly killed when struck by lightning. Father and four of his brothers and sisters made their home with their uncle and aunt, Isaac Warkentins, who loved and cared for them as their own children.

When a youth father felt his lost condition, repented of his sins, and upon confession of his faith was baptized May 1, 1905, by Min. Wilheim Giesbrecht, becoming a member of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, to which he remained faithful to the end.

On June 21,1908, he was united in holy matrimony to Anna Nikkel. We made our home near Steinbach, Manitoba. In 1915 we with other families moved to Lubbock, Texas, experiencing the hardships of pioneer life. In 1922 we moved to Kansas, settling on a farm near Inman. We shared life's joys and sorrows for over 50 years.

He was a kind and loving husband and father. God blessed his labors so that he could provide for our need. He was a cheerful giver and a willing helper. His foremost concern was to instruct and guide us in the ways of God. He took special interest and delight in his grandchildren. Father was a lover of song and enjoyed visiting the aged and sick, singing and praying with them.

He enjoyed good health until 15 years ago. On July 20, 1958, he submitted to surgery was hospitalized for 25 days. Although he often expressed his desire to be absent from the body and present with the Lord, he was thankful to be able to come back to his home again. Friday morning, Oct. 3, he complained of being tired. About 3:00 p. . while sitting and reading he suddenly passed away. Though his departure was unexpected and without farewell, we feel confident that he is now resting in peace.

He leaves to mourn his departure his deeply bereaved companion; one son and wife, Ben and Margaret Penner of Conway, Kansas and one daughter and her husband, Mary and Ben Ensz of Inman; eight grandchildren; one brother, Abe W. Penner of Langley, B. C.; one sister Gertrude, Mrs. David Enns of Winnipeg, Manitoba; and many relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death were one son who died in infancy, three brothers and four sisters.

Funeral services took place Oct. 7. Min. A. R. Toews spoke comforting words in the house. At 2:00 p. m. in the Zion Church, Min. Jno. A. Ensz spoke on Job 7:17, Matt. 24:42, II Tim. 4:5 and Luke 24:29. Min. F. H. Wenger spoke briefly on I Cor. 15:55. Min. Carl Dirks conducted the graveside services at the church cemetery, where the remains were laid to rest. — The Wife and Family.