Penner, Susanna Kliewer (1900-1975)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1975 Oct 17 p. 31

Birth date: 1900 Apr 08

text of obituary

MRS. SUSANNA PENNER

(Mrs.) Susanna Penner (nee Kliewer) was born in April 8, 1900 in Kontiniusfeld, Ukraine, where she grew up. Saved at the age of 22, she was later baptized and received into the Mennonite Brethren church in Sparau. In 1924 she married Peter Penner. After a short marriage of 14 years her husband was exiled with many others, leaving her with seven children.

During World War II the family emigrated to a new home in Coaldale, Alberta. Here the family spent many happy years, and all of her children have given their lives to Christ, serving him in various capacities. The Word of God gave her a constant supply of strength and joy; her favorite passage was "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help" (Psalm 121). During the last few years of her life she was frequently ill, often spending time in the hospital. She passed away August 20.

At the funeral her oldest grandchild played the organ. Pastor Rudy Heidebrecht's message was based on Romans 8:31 and he stressed that God's love remains firm through all difficulties. Harry Loewen, a son·in·law, gave a German message based on Psalm 90. For the believer, death is a transcending of all earthliness and a gate· way to a higher plane of life.

She is survived by seven children and their spouses: Susie and Isaac Regehr, Mary and Peter Klassen, Peter and Margaret Penner, Gertrude and Harry Loewen, Elizabeth and Isaac Funk, Hilda and Peter Wiens, and Henry and Esther Penner; and by two sisters in Coaldale, Mrs. John Siemens and (Mrs.) Tina Thiessen.