Penner, Sherry Denise (1966-1972)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1973 Jan 4 p. 11

Birth date: 1966

text of obituary:

eath Claims 6-Yr.-Old Handicapped Girl

Tiskilwa, Ill. — Funeral services were held at the Willow Springs Mennonite Church near here on Dec. 2 for six-year-old Sherry Denise Penner, daughter of Charles and Shareon [sic Sharon] (Mullet) Penner of this community. Death followed a two-day illness of pneumonia.

Sherry suffered brain damage at birth, and since she was two years old church and community people had taken a special interest in her. She needed stimulation and assistance to coordinate movement of eyes and body muscles, and three or four persons at a time served on teams to “pattern” her for these activities. Teenagers, children, men and women all became involved in Sherry’s life. Approximately 200 people assisted in the program.

Surviving in addition to the parents are a sister, D’Ann, and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Mullet of Albany, Ore. and Mr. and Mrs. Helmuth Penner of Beatrice, Neb.