Penner, Helena Goertzen Epp Regier (1890-1964)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1964 Aug 6 p. 11

Birth date: 1890 May 20

text of obituary:

MRS. PETER E. PENNER

Helena Goertzen, daughter of Isaac and Agnatha [sic Aganetha] Ediger Goertzen, was born on May 20, 1890 at Hampton, Neb. As a young girl she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour and based her faith on I John 1:7. On June 25, 1905, she was baptized upon her confession of faith by the late Rev. John Kliewer and united with the Mennonite Brethren Church.

From 1908 to 1911 she worked in a store as a clerk. On Nov. 30, 1911, she was united in holy matrimony with Peter C. Epp. This union, which lasted only six years, was blessed with a son and a daughter.

On Dec. 7, 1917 she was united in holy matrimony with Isaac P. Regier. After spending a year at Enid, Okla. they returned to Hampton, Neb. where they retired from farming in 1943 and moved to the town of Hendrson. In August 1946 they moved to Reedley, Calif. where Father Regier passed away in 1950.

Our mother lived in widowhood for nine years, and then was united to Peter E. Penner on Nov. 1, 1959. Since 1960 they had enjoyed the hospitality of the Reedley Home for the Aged.

About six weeks ago mother suffered a stroke. She was taken to the hospital, and on Saturday evening, July 4, 1964, she could go Home to her eternal rest. She reached the age of 74 years, one month and 14 days.

Those who remain to mourn her departure are her husband, Peter Penner of Reedley, one daughter, Nettie, Mrs. John F. Epp of Hampton, Neb., one son, Harry F. Epp of Hampton, Neb.; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Susie, Mrs. Paul Dick of Reedley and Anna, Mrs. Peter Heinrichs of British Columbia; one brother, Henry Goertzen of Henderson, Neb.; one son-in-law and one daughter-in-law.

One great-grandchild, two sisters and three brothers preceded her in death.

The memorial service was held in the Mennonite Brethren Church of Reedley, Calif with Rev. Dan Friesen officiating.