Penner, Isaac (1881-1947)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1 May 1947 p. 3

Birth date: 1881 Jul 3

ISAAC PENNER

Isaac Penner, son of John and Helen Schroeder Penner, was born July 3, 1881, in Pleasant township, Harvey county, Kansas, and passed from this life at the Bethel Deaconess hospital, Newton, Kansas, after a prolonged illness of ten weeks caused by a paralytic stroke which crippled his left side. He, however, remained conscious so that his friends could visit with him almost to the end. He attained the age of 65 years, nine months and 16 days.

On April 3, 1892, at the age of 17 years he was baptized upon the confession of his faith in Jesus Christ as his Saviour by Elder John Schroeder and received into the membership of the Gnadenberg church.

On September 18, 1902, he was married to Margaret Nickel. Two children, Menno and Clara, came to bless their home. On September 18, 1927, they celebrated their silver wedding in the presence of the entire congregation. For 44 years they shared the joys and sorrows of life with each other.

His entire life was spent on a farm in the community n which he was born and where he grew to manhood. He was always greatly interested in the welfare of his community, holding different district and township offices at various times. Though he never attained more than a grade school education, he performed all of his duties efficiently. He gave to all of his tasks the faithfulness and honesty of a sincere Christian, so that he was respected and cherished by all who came to know him.

As a church member, he remained true and faithful to the end. He was regular in attendance and seldom missed a worship service. He was concerned, not only for the welfare of the church, but also that it should fulfill its task both to its members and in the community. for many years he served as Sunday School teacher, Sunday School superintendent, and held various other offices in the church. At all times he freely and willingly shared his observations and experiences in an endeavor to be of assistance to the spiritual progress of his fellowmen.

He leaves to mourn his departure his devoted wife, Margaret, his son Menno, and daughter, Clara, (Mrs. Ben Schmidt); six grandchildren; two brothers, Abraham J. Penner of Newton, and Jacob Penner of Clinton, Oklahoma; two sisters, Mrs. Jacob B. Schmidt and Mrs. Leonard O. Harms of newton; also 25 nephews and 26 nieces and a host of friends. Two sisters, Rebecca and Rachel (Mrs. H. H. Jantz) preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 23, 1947. A brief service was held at the home at 2:00 p. m. for the immediate relatives, which was followed by services at 2:30 p. m. at the Gnadenberg Mennonite church with Rev. J. J. Voth, Rev. J. F. Sawatzky and Rev. H. J. Dyck taking part in the services. Mr. and Mrs. Hilmar T. Voth sang "Mine Eyes Are Fixed Upon That City." A male quartet composed of E. L. Schmidt, Menno Nickel, Gerhard Nickel and Arthur Schmidt sang "How Gentle God's Commands," "Never Grow Old" and the "Resurrection Morn." They were accompanied by Melvin Klassen and Gerhard Lester Harms at the piano and organ.

Casket bearers were T. B. Schmidt, A. L. Schmidt, John W. Penner, Sylvester Harms, Victor Harms and John Penner.

Interment was made in the Gnadenberg church cemetery.