Penner, Elise Claassen (1894-1931)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1931 Sep 1 p. 14

Birth date: 1894 Sep 12

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1931 Sep 2 p. 3

text of obituary:

Mrs. J. J. Penner

My dear wife, Elise, nee Claassen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. M. Claassen, was born in Alta, Kansas, near Newton on Sept. 12, 1894. She was the youngest of four children. Her dear mother, who saw it as one of her great duties to bring her children to Christ, passed away soon after her baby girl was born. Before dying she took her infant daughter in her arms, committed her once more to the safekeeping of the Lord and repeated the words, as found in Hebrews 13:5, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." This dying wish of a mother has come true. Two years later a new mother came into the house, who in all sincerety [sic], together with our dear father, brought the children up in the ways of the Lord. The influences of a Christian home and the church ripened in her the conviction of the necessity of a Savior, and upon the confession of faith she was baptized and became a member of the First Mennonite church of Newton, Kansas. She was educated in the public schools of Alta and Newton, and later attended Bethel College for two years. In 1914 her much beloved brother, Herman, passed away, and only 2 years ago her sister Anna, after a sick-bed of six years, went to her eternal reward.

The last fourteen years of her life, lacking two months, she spent in Nebraska. In October of 1917 we were united in marriage. she left her home, which she loved, to build a home for ourselves near Beatrice, on the farm. Here we farmed together with my brother William for two years. Here in our home, the place she loved so much was her field of labor which she performed with never tiring love, caring for her family's material wellfare [sic], leading the children to Christ by telling them Bible stories, teaching them their prayers and to say their Sunday School lessons. In the course of time God blessed our home with children, three boys and three girls: Ruth Elizabeth 11 years old, John Edward 9, Harold C. 6, Helen Louise 4, Paul Richard 2, and our little Dorothy Ann a few days old. For these she lived and cared in a most tenderly, motherly way. In the last days she said,"I am glad to go to my heavenly home if God calls me, but — I — would like to bring up those six children — together with you," and another time, "My poor children." It was a rather toilsome summer, and a great cause of worry, when on Sunday, August 2, an infection in her right limb set in. Early Monday morning, Aug. 3, we went to the Hospital. From the very beginning there was anxiety about her condition. On Aug. 7 a baby girl, whom she named Dorothy Ann, was born, almost as by a miracle, for which she rejoiced. we hoped that the crisis might be passed. But the infection continued to spread, and her condition became more critical. Our prayers, together with those of our many friends went forth that her life might be spared, that she might remain with her family which she loved so tenderly. But the Lord's ways are not our ways. On Aug. 8, in spite of efficient and sincere medical and nursing attendance, she failed rapidly. We knew the end could not be far. She prepared for that moment, when she would meet her Savior face to face, of whose presence she was assured. Sunday morning at 4 o'clock the Master called to His child, "Come Home."

Her life and her passing are a challenge to us who are left behind to "Trust in the Lord," and to "Fight the Good Fight," till we also have overcome the trials of this life, and till we see in glory, there, what we have believed here. We mourn, but not without hope, for we lift our eyes to HIM, from whence cometh our help.

When the work on earth is done,
I shall hear Him say at last,
"Welcome toiler, I've prepared for thee a place."
When my race on earth is run, I shall hear Him say, "Well done,
Take the crown that love immortal doth bestow."

The funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 12th. The large floral offering testified of the esteem to which the departed was held.

At the home Rev. Jacob Wiebe spoke in German, and Rev. M. M. Horsch in English. Church services were conducted in the Second Mennonite Church of Beatrice by Rev. H. T. Reimer and Rev. M. M.Horsch. Interment was made in the Mennonite cemetery west of the city.

J. J. Penner

The Mennonite obituary: 1931 Sep 10 p. 13