Penner, Randy (1921-2002)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2003 Feb 17 p. 8

Birth date: 1921 Feb 27

text of obituary:

Randy Penner

Randy Penner, 81, of Freeman, S.D., formerly of Hudson, Wis., died Dec. 24, 2002, at Freeman Community Nursing Home. He was born on Feb. 27, 1921, to Albert H. and Elizabeth (Riesen) Penner near Hillsboro, Kan.

On Dec. 29, 1946, he married Luella Tieszen. They lived in Newton, Kan., Hudson, and moved to Freeman in 1999.

He served in Civilian Public Service camps in La Pine, Ore., and Bowie, Md., from 1942 to 1945.

He attended Wichita (Kan.) State University and Bethel College in North Newton, obtaining a bachelor's degree in fine arts.

He worked as an illustrator for printing, calendar and aviation companies. He was a commercial artist and then worked entirely in fine art, specializing in watercolors.

He was a member of the Midwest Watercolor Society and American Society of Aviation Artists. His paintings hang in private and corporate collections across the nation. He wrote and illustrated a book, A Harvest of Memories, depicting his younger years on a Kansas farm.

He is survived by his wife, Luella.

Memorial services were held at Salem Mennonite Church, rural Freeman. Private committal of the cremains was at Rose Hill Cemetery, rural Dolton.