Penner, John J. (1887-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Mar 12 p. 8

Birth date: 1887 Nov 20

text of obituary:

JOHN J. PENNER

John J. Penner was born Nov. 20, 1887, at Beatrice, Neb., son of the late Rev. J. K. and Helene Jantzen Penner.

His childhood was spent in the family circle of brothers and sisters, near the parochial school of which his father was the instructor as well as being one of the ministers of the Mennonite Church.

In home and school he learned to know and love his Lord early in life. Each new day began with Scripture and prayer and closed with family devotions.

As a young man he w2as baptized upon the confession of faith and became a member of the Mennonite church. When the Beatrice Mennonite Church was organized he was one of its charter members, retaining his membership there for the duration of his life. He was an active participant in the various activities, such as teaching Sunday school classes and serving on the Church Council. One of the highlights of his life was his association with choral groups and especially the men's chorus and male quartet. His mellow bass voice will be remembered by all who heard him.

During his last illness the caroling by the men's chorus and young people's groups brought him much cheer, joy and comfort, for which he was deeply grateful.

On Oct. 19, 1917, he was married to Eliese [sic Elise] Classen of Newton, Kansas and they settled on the farm southwest of Beatrice. Together they faithfully shared 14 years of household duties, as well as joy and sorrow. Death removed his faithful companion and the mother of their six children on August 9, 1931, when the youngest daughter was but two days old. He valiantly endeavored to perform the dual duties and responsibilities of father and mother. With an aching heart he consigned little Dorothy Ann to the care of Uncle Peter and Aunt Elizabeth Claassen of Newton, who with loving hearts and faithfulness reared her to young womanhood so that she never really knew the loss of her mother. His sister Anna spent a number of years as a faithful housekeeper, assisting him with his children.

Early in 1946 failing health compelled him to leave the farm and make his home in Beatrice, Neb. During these years he busied himself with carpentry and painting.

In 1952 he was joined in holy wedlock to Mrs. Margarete Claassen Goertz.

He departed this life very suddenly in his sleep during the early morning hours on Saturday, Jan. 17, 1959. He is survived by his loving wife with whom he shared over six years of happy married life; his children, Mrs. Ruth Swanson of Omaha, Nebr., John Edward and Paul Richard of Boulder, Colo., Harold C. of San Diego, Calif., Mrs. Helen Louise Penner of Beatrice, and Mrs. Dorothy Ann Cannon of Wichita, Kansas; J. Richard Goertz of Montague, Mich., Lt. Robert D. Goertz of Ethan Allen Air Force Base, Burlington, Vermont; Mrs. Beth Boltjes of Charleston, S. C. and Mrs. Emmy Lu McRae of Oakland, Calif.; and 23 grandchildren.

Sisters and brothers surviving are Mrs. H. A. Claassen and Mrs. Henry Claassen of Beatrice; Mrs. P. D. Claassen of Newton, Kansas; Rev. William Penner of Middlebury, Vermont and Dr. C. D. Penner of Baldwin-Wallace College, Berea, Ohio; also many nieces and nephews and friends.

Preceding him to his heavenly home besides his wife Eliese [sic Elise] were his parents, two brothers and six sisters, among whom was the well remembered Sister Marie Penner of the Mennonite Hospital.

Memorial services were held Jan. 20 at the Beatrice Mennonite Church. Rev. Ralph K. Weber, the pastor, officiated, assisted by Rev. Harold Buller. Interment was made in the Mennonite cemetery west of Beatrice. The well-filled church, the lovely floral offerings and generous contributions to the memorial fund for the spiritual life of the Mennonite Hospital bespoke the high esteem in which the deceased was held.

The Mennonite obituary: 1959 Mar 3 p. 142