Penner, Jacob N. (1919-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Apr 13 p. 28

Birth date: 1919 Jun 9

text of obituary:

JACOB N. PENNER

Jacob N. Penner of Penticton, B.C. passed away Mar. 3. He was born June 9, 1919 to Peter B. and Anna Penner in Rosthern, Sask., the youngest of 9 children. Though his parents believed in stern discipline, the family had fun and laughter. They attended church every Sunday. He was baptized in May 1937 by Rev. David Toews in Rosthern and joined the church. As a young man, he harvested trees for fence posts and Christmas trees. He played violin, mouth organ, banjo and accordion in a band in Rosthern and then played at the Gospel Mission in Nipawin, Sask. Later, he became a mechanic and shop foreman, working in Waldheim, Sask., Rosthern and Nipawin. In 1939 he joined the army, but was honourably discharged a year later because of an ear infection. He married Elma Janzen May 3, 1942. He continued working as a mechanic. In 1956 he and Elma started a coffee shop in Nipawin. He served as commissionaire for the Nipawin RCMP 1975- 85. He and Elma then retired to Penticton, where they joined Grace MB Church. They took leadership of the seniors' group "Grace Pilgrims" for many years. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, going for walks and visiting friends and neighbours. Smiles and hugs were his trademarks; he always had a friendly word of advice about mechanics, construction or gardening. He is mourned by Elma; daughters Delphine Nelson of Waseca, Sask. and Jennifer Gale Ryan of Edmonton; 3 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren and 1 sister. The funeral was Mar. 9 in Grace MB Church, with David Esau ministering.