Penner, Marie (1882-1952)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 Dec 4 p. 6

Birth date: 1882 Oct 6

text of obituary:

— Relatives from Newton attended funeral services at the Beatrice, Neb. Mennonite church Sunday afternoon for Sister Marie Penner, 70, who passed away early Friday morning, Nov. 28, at the Mennonite hospital there after a year's illness. A. W. Friesen and Leo Miller officiated at the services. Mrs. P. D. Claassen of Newton had been at her sister's bedside since Monday of last week. Others from here who attended the funeral were P. D. Claassen and son Don, Mr. and Mrs. John Bartsch and Sister Helene Marie Bartsch. Miss Penner, formerly a nurse at the Bethel Deaconess hospital here, had been serving at the Beatrice hospital as long as health permitted. Mrs. G. R. Toevs of Newton, also a sister, was unable to attend the funeral.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 Dec 18 p. 9

text of obituary:

SISTER MARIE PENNER

Sister Marie Penner, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. J. K. Penner, was born October 6, 1882.

When two years old, she came with her parents to the United States and made her home near Beatrice, Neb.

She received her schooling in the parochial school near the country church, her father being the instructor. The childhood memories were pleasant ones, and she was reared in a Christian atmosphere. She treasured this special privilege and its blessings throughout her life, and was grateful for the careful guidance of her parents. She was baptized and received into the Mennonite Church, being a faithful member until death.

Early in life she was interested in the nursing profession and in January 15, 1915, she entered the Mennonite hospital. Following her training she was ordained as a deaconess, her father preaching the ordination sermon founded on John 11:28b, "The Master is come, and calleth for thee." The Deaconess cause was very dear to her heart. Her lots had truly fallen in beautiful lines of service, serving Him who called her into her work — serving Him in serving the sick, both physically and spiritually. God gave her grace, so that her whole life was spent in serving unselfishly, giving all praise and honor to God who was her strength.

For 37 years God thus gave her grace to continue her service in the Mennonite hospital until her health began to fail, and she had to lay down her work to answer her Master’s call. During her illness, she received the devoted love of the Sisters, doctors and nurses. The many cards and flowers were a token of love of the many who knew her. She expressed thankfulness to all, and the Great Physician, who had been her guide, finally guided her gently home. She will be missed in the hospital and home, especially among the Sisterhood.

She is survived by four sisters: Mrs. H. A. Claassen and Mrs. Henry Claassen of Beatrice, Mrs. P. D. Claassen and Mrs. Anna Toevs, of Newton, Kansas; and three brothers, John J. Penner of Beatrice, Rev. William Penner, Barnet, Vermont, and Dr. C. D. Penner, Berea, Ohio; besides many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly, and a host of relatives and friends.