Penner, Joseph L. (1922-1946)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1946 Aug 1 p. 3

Birth date: 1922 Feb 3

text of obituary:

JOSEPH L PENNER

Funeral services for Joseph L. Penner were held Tuesday afternoon, July 9, at his home near Newton with Rev. A. A. Schmidt in charge. Church services followed at the Zion church in Elbing, where Rev. H. J. Dyck and Rev. G. W. Lohrenz conducted the service. Music was provided by a male quartet composed of Leslie Suderman, Menno Lohrenz Rufus and Lewis Hiebert, Miss Evelyn Schmidt was pianist.

Pallbearers were Pete Koslowsky, Jake Koslowsky, Willis Harms, Olin Schmidt, George Klassen and Ronald Andres.

Interment was in the Elbing Missionary cemetery with Rev. H. B. Schmidt officiating.

Joseph was born February 3, 1922 at Peabody, Kans., and died July 5, 1946, in Wichita at the age of 24 years, five months and two days. He left home early the morning before his death with a cheery goodbye to all the family.

His life brought much joy into the home and, in many respects, set an inspiring example for all. He possessed the gift of being cheerful and making his companions feel likewise. he was aware of his poor physical condition, but found ways of enjoying life in spite of it and kept smiling.

During his childhood he was severely ill several times, but the Lord was gracious and spared his life, although he was left with a poor heart condition.

He received his education in the rural schools of Marion and Harvey counties and was graduated from Whitewater high school with the class of 1941. After spending a year at home on the farm, he took a bookkeeping course at Business preparatory college in Wichita. Before completing his course he was employed by the Cudahy Packing company in the office and, at the time of death, was assistant manager of the invoice department.

As to spiritual things, he showed a great interest. He confessed Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour and gave assurance that he was ready to meet the Lord when his time here was ended. He spent much time reading and discussing religious literature and listening to similuar [sic] radio programs.

Joseph is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. P. C. Penner; two sisters, Mrs. Linda Unruh of Wichita and Lillian Penner, at home; four brothers, Edwin L. Penner of Anson, Kans., Oliver, Wesley and Roy Penner, at home; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Marjorie Penner; one brother-in-law William Unruh; three nieces, Emily Ann Unruh, Carolyn Ruth Penner and Nancy Jeanne Pener [sic Penner], who preceeded [sic] him in death; one nephew, Myron Linn Unruh, and a large number of other relatives and friends.