Penner, Katherina Dueck (1904-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Jan 11 p. 23

Birth date: 1904 Sep 30

text of obituary:

KATHERINA PENNER

Katharina Penner passed away Nov. 13 in Abbotsford, B.C. She was born Sept. 30, 1904 to Peter and Katharina Dueck in Elizabethal, Molotschna, Russia. When she was 14, her father died. Being the eldest of 5 girls, she had the responsibility of working in the fields. In her youth, she accepted Christ, was baptized and joined the Mennonite church. She taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. She married Peter Penner Oct. 2, 1924. In 1926 they immigrated to Davidson, Sask. They moved to Sedalia, Alta. in spring 1927, to Tofield, Alta. in 1933 and to Chilliwack, B.C. in 1944. She kept busy with the dairy farm, many chickens and acres of raspberries. She loved to garden and can preserves. Their home was a place where many friends and relatives found cooking and a cup of coffee. Even a wayward railroad transient had a sandwich and coffee from her hands. In 1963 they moved to Clearbrook, B.C., joining Clearbrook MB Church. She was active in the ladies' fellowship group. She liked to help any way she could; she embroidered, knitted, sewed, quilted and worked for MCC. Peter died of a heart attack in 1963. She made many trips. The last few years, she lived in Tabor Home. God answered many prayers and blessed her physically and spiritually. Matt. 6:33 was a favourite verse. She spent her last days in Menno Hospital. She was cheerful, had a friendly smile for all and did everything to the best of her ability. Predeceased by Peter, she is mourned by 4 sons, 2 daughters, 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild and 1 sister. The memorial service was Nov. 19 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Jay Neufeld and Eldon DeFehr ministering.