Penner, Kenneth Dale (1940-1944)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1944 Jun 1 p. 3

Birth date: 1940 May 20

text of obituary:

KENNETH DALE PENNER

Kenneth Dale Penner was born to Samuel S. and Hulda Enns Penner on May 20, 1940, in the Bethel deaconess Hospital, newton, Kansas. He, with his parents, lived on a farm near Burrton, Kansas, for a little over a year after the time of his birth, at which time they moved to a farm near Sedgwick, Kansas.

Though in stature he seemed to be a robust little boy, yet his health seemed to be somewhat weak. He has had to suffer much illness during the short span of his life. Since Christmas of 1943, he has had to suffer from whooping cough, measles, and chicken-pox. However, the past few weeks it seemed as though he was regaining his normal health, insomuch that he was able to attend Sunday School the last two Sundays. He took great delight in his Sunday School work and on the last Sunday he especially urged that he wanted to be there on time to take part in the entire service of worshipping the Lord, in whose arms he is now safely resting.

On Sunday, May 7, he began to cough quite severely and his condition became so that hospital care had to be sought, and he was taken to the Bethel Deaconess Hospital that same evening. The diagnosis of his case revealed an infection in his chest. All that tender care and loving hands could do did not seem to ease his condition. Kenneth Dale passed away on May 9, 1944, at 8:15 p.m.

He attained the age of 3 years, 11 months and 19 days. He leaves to mourn his early departure, his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Penner, two sisters, Ellen Ruth and Lucille Faye, his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Penner of Burrton, his uncles, aunts, cousins and many friends.

Jesus has taken a beautiful bud,
Out of our garden of love,
Borne it away to the city of God,
Home of the angels above.

Full blooming flowers alone will not do,
Some must be young and ungrown;
So the frail buds, He is gathering too,
Beautiful gems for His throne.

Blooming in beauty in Heaven are they,
Blooming for you and for me;
Follow the Lord, though the city be far,
Till our bright blossoms we see.

Funeral services were held Friday, May 12, at Burrton, with Rev. Arnold Epp in charge, and assisted by Rev. J. E. Entz. Mr. and Mrs. Emil Dalke, C. F. Epp and Mrs. Arnold Ep sang "How Beautiful Heaven Must Be," "Abide With Me," and Asleep in Jesus." Accompanist was Mrs. Joe Schrag. Pall-bearers were Keith Penner, Harold Regier, Vernon Regier and LaVern Schrag. Interment in Burrton cemetery.