Penner, Gustav (1884-1944)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1944 Jun 29 p. 3

Birth date: 1884 Jan 20

text of obituary:

GUSTAV PENNER

Gustav Penner, son of Johannes and Magdalene (Penner) Penner was born near Beatrice, Nebraska, on January 20, 1884. He attended the parochial school, under Rev. J. K. Penner, and the district school near Hoag. He also took interest in a Sunday School conducted by his uncle, Johannes Penner.

He was baptized upon the confession of his faith in Jesus Christ on May 19, 1902, by Elder Gerhard Penner. For some years he assisted his parents in farming. On April 15, 1917, he was married to Marie Wiens by Rev. M. Horsch of Los Angeles, California. They made their home on a farm north of Beatrice. He had the work of his church at heart and served in various capacities. In the fall of 1929 three children, Melvin, Florence and Wayne were welcomed into the home. Between 1941 and 1943 they lived on a farm near Weeping Water, Nebraska.

Almost two years ago his health began to fail. During his illness he often expressed his yieldedness to the will of God. He appreciated every deed of kindness extended to him. On Wednesday evening, June 14, 10 o'clock, while patient at the Mennonite hospital, he quietly passed away as we confidently hope to his eternal reward. He reached the age of 60 year, 4 months, and 25 days. He leaves his wife, three children, one brother, three sisters, his parents-in-law, and many relatives and friends.

"Jesus, still lead on, Till our rest be won,
And, although the way be cheerless,
We will follwo, calm and fearless;
Guide us by Thy hand To our fatherland.

"Jesus, still lead on, Till our rest be won;
Heav'nly Leader, still direct us,
Still support, console, protect us,
Till we safely stand in our fatherland."

Funeral services were held from the Harmon-Johnson Funeral Home, at Beatrice, Nebr., Saturday, June 17. Rev. Walter H. Dyck officiated. He read the scripture passage found in I Cor. 15:12-23, 35-58 and led in prayer. "Going Down the Valley" and "Face to Face" were sung by Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Wiebe and Mr. and Mrs. John K. Wiebe.

The services at the First Mennonite church, Beatrice, were conducted by Rev. Cornelius Penner and Rev. W. H. Dyck. Rev. Penner read Psalm 23 and led in prayer. His German message was based on the comforting words, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort."

The quartet sang, "Nearer, Still Nearer" and "Jesus, Savior Pilot Me."

"I am a stranger in the earth . . ." (Psalm 119:19) was the text of Rev. Dyck's encouraging message.

Interment in the church cemetery. After the song "Safe in the Arms of Jesus" by the quartet, Rev. Dyck read several selected Scripture passages, led in prayer, and spoke the benediction.

Pallbearers were John Reimer, Jr., Edwin J. Wiebe, Louie C. Weibe, John H. Von Riesen, John W. Zimmerman.

The Mennonite obituary: 1944 Jul 25 p. 15