Penner, Elizabeth Wiens (1864-1951)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1951 Oct 25 p. 10

Birth date: 1864 Jul 24

text of obituary:

MRS. ELIZABETH PENNER

Mrs. Elizabeth Penner, daughter of Bernhard and Lisetta Wiens was born July 24, 1864, at Osterwick, West Prussia.

In 1879 she was baptized upon the confession of her faith by Rev. G. Penner and taken into the Mennonite church in Heubuden, Germany.

In 1881, as a girl of 17, she sailed for America with an uncle, leaving the rest of her family behind. When in America she made her home in Beatrice, Nebraska, earning her livelihood as a working girl.

On January 22, 1886, she was married to John E. Penner, who preceded her in death in 1922. Their home was blessed with three children of whom only one, Gertrude, Mrs. Ben Johnson of Meno, is living. Gustav and Anna died in infancy.

In 1898 Bro. and Sister Penner with their family moved to Oklahoma. Here they made their home in various communities, but resided in the Lahoma-Meno community for some 40 years.

Mrs. Penner became a member of the New Hopedale Mennonite church of Meno on June 14, 1914, and remained a faithful and loyal member till the end.

Those whom she has left behind are her only daughter, Gertrude, Mrs. Ben Johnson, three grandchildren, six great grandchildren, relatives and a host of friends. One grandchild, Mrs. Malinda Johnson Koehn, preceded her in death in 1940.

Mrs. Penner was always a strong and robust person. Even in her old age she was able to care for herself completely, except for the last few months when her health began failing. During this time her children and grandchildren tenderly cared for her.

The Lord called her home on October 5, 1961, at the age of 87 years, two months, and 11 days. She is

Resting now, life's voyage o'er
Pain and grief to know no more;
Safely on the heavenly shore
Resting now, resting now.

The funeral was held on Monday, Oct. 8, 1961. A short prayer service was held in the home of Mrs. Sarah Johnson, led by Rev. H. U. Schmidt, followed by services in the O.B.A. auditorium, led by the pastor. Rev. Arnold Epp. Burial was made in the New Hopedale cemetery.