Penner, John J. (1887-1959)

Revision as of 16:00, 13 March 2018

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Mar 12 p. 8

Birth date: 1887 Nov 20

text of obituary:

John J. Penner was born Nov. 20, 1887, at Beatrice, Neb., son of the late Rev. J. K. and Helene Jantzen Penner.

His childhood was spent in the family circle of brothers and sisters, near the parochial school of which his father was the instructor as well as being one of the ministers of the Mennonite Church.

In home and school he learned to know and love his Lord early in life. Each new day began with Scripture and prayer and closed with family devotions.

As a young man he w2as baptized upon the confession of faith and became a member of the Mennonite church. When the Beatrice Mennonite Church was organized he was one of its charter members, retaining his membership there for the duration of his life. He was an active participant in the various activities, such as teaching Sunday school classes and serving on the Church Council. One of the highlights of his life was his association with choral groups and especially the men's chorus and male quartet. His mellow bass voice will be remembered by all who heard him.

During his last illness the caroling by the men's chorus and young people's groups brought him much cheer, joy and comfort, for which he was deeply grateful.

On Oct. 19, 1917, he was married to Eliese [sic Elise] Classen of Newton, Kansas and they settled on the farm southwest of Beatrice. Together they faithfully shared 14 years of household duties, as well as joy and sorrow. Death removed his faithful companion and the mother of their six children on August 9, 1931, when the youngest daughter was but two days old. He valiantly endeavored to perform the dual duties and responsibilities of father and mother. With an aching heart he consigned little Dorothy Ann to the care of Uncle Peter and Aunt Elizabeth Claassen of Newton, who with loving hearts and faithfulness reared her to young womanhood so that she never really knew the loss of her mother. His sister Anna spent a number of years as a faithful housekeeper, assisting him with his children.

[transcription in process]

The Mennonite obituary: 1959 Mar 3 p. 142