Editing Penner, Henry T. (1873-1963)

''Mennonite Weekly Review'' obituary: 24 Jan 1963 p. 5; 28

Birth date: 1873 Feb 16

text of obituary: 

 Henry T. Penner, 89, who farmed in the Johannestal community near Hillsboro for many years, died Jan. 15 at the home of a son, Erwin Penner, in Newton where he had lived the past several years. Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at the Johannestal church, with Rev. Henry Goossen in charge. Mr. Penner was born in Polish Russia and came to the Hillsboro area in 1892. His wife, Matilda, died in 1925. Survivors include three sons, three daughters, two brothers, one sister, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mrs. J. F. Schmidt or North Newton is among the surviving daughters.



28 Feb 1963 p. 8

Henry T. Penner, second of nine children, was born to Julius and Helena Unruh Penner on Feb. 16, 1873 near Deutsch Wimishle, in Poland. His parents lived on a small farm where he spent his boyhood years. He received his education in the community school.

At the age of 14 he realized his lost condition and accepted the Lord as his personal Savior, was baptized and united with the local Mennonite church.

At the age of 19, accompanied by his younger brother Peter, he came to the United States, arriving at Hillsboro, Kan. on July 12, 1892. Here he found kind relatives and friends who did much to help make his venture successful. He found employment, and by thrift and hard work after several years was able to purchase a farm. He became a member of the Johannestal Mennonite Church where he remained a member until his death.

On Dec. 16, 1898 he was united in holy matrimony with Matilda Schroeder. To this union were born five daughters and four sons. Joys and sorrows were shared for almost 27 years when mother went to her heavenly reward on Sept. 16, 1925. Also preceding him in death were a son, Herbert, and two daughters, Mulvina and Linda, Mrs. H. H. Bartel.

It was a great satisfaction to him to see the last of his parents' family leave the troubled area of Europe and settle in a place where religious freedom and free enterprise could be enjoyed. He helped with material means to accomplish this.

He enjoyed reasonably good health until about ten years ago when he began to suffer with dropsy. In recent weeks it became his earnest desire to be relieved and to be with his lords, which was granted him on Jan. 15, 1963 while resting in a chair, thus attaining the age of 89 years, 10 months and 29 days. We will remember him as a kind and loving father with a sincere concern for his family.

Surviving are six children, Emma (Mrs. H. W. Bartel) of Hillsboro, Erwin of Newton, Kan., Herman of Hillsboro, Selma (Mrs. J. F. Schmidt) of North Newton, Mildred (Mrs. Walter H. Schmidt) of Hesston, Kan., and Milton of Hillsboro; two brothers, Robert F. of Hillsboro and john of Oak Park, Mich., one sister, Martha (Mrs. Robert Foth) or [sic] Uruguay, S. A. ; 21 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted Jan. 19, 1963 at the Johannestal Mennonite Church near Hillsboro with Rev. Henry Goossen officiating. Interment was made at the Johannestal cemetery. 

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