Penner, Otto-Heinz (1931-1999)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 2000 Jan 21 p. 29

Birth Date: 1931 Apr 16

text of obituary:

OTTO-HEINZ PENNER

Otto-Heinz Penner of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Nov. 23. He was born Apr. 16, 1931 to Cornelius and Maria Penner in Schoeneberg, Ukraine. In 1936 the family moved to Einlage, Ukraine. In October 1943 they were evacuated to Poland, then to Germany. In 1944 his father was drafted into the army. The family moved to Reichenbach, Saxony. After the war, they were sent to Irkutsk, Siberia. Otto, 14, had to work very hard and could not go to school. He worked at an orphanage, where he also stayed for food and shelter. He faced death several times. In 1951 the family received word that their father was living in Winnipeg. In 1956 Otto married Geneveva Mueller. In 1958 they moved to Tadzhikistan, where he worked in construction. In 1972 they came to Canada, where he was reunited with his father. His father died of a heart attack 2 months later. He worked in construction and later at Columbia Kitchen Cabinets in Abbotsford until retirement. He accepted Christ, was baptized and joined Kind Road MB Church, Abbotsford, in 1977. He loved music, going for walks and talking to people. He was a private man, and felt misunderstood at times. He always provided for his family, and would always help when asked. He struggled with some issues in his life, but tried to get answers from God. He tried to do his best, but felt at times that he had failed. Predeceased by a brother, he is mourned by Eva; children Laura Gaudet, Arthur, and Adeline Wiens, all of Abbotsford; 9 grandchildren; and 2 sisters. The funeral was Nov. 27 in King Road MB Church, with Alvin Enns, Don Enns and Peter C. Penner ministering.