Cornelius Giesbrecht Penner was born to Abram and Aganetha Giesbrecht Penner on October 20, 1920, at Lorette, Manitoba. After a lengthy illness, with much suffering, he peacefully passed away in his sleep on November 9, 2009, at the age of 89 years. For the last 4 months he was cared for at the Maplewood Manor in Steinbach, Manitoba. His youth years were somewhat tumultuous, but he committed his life to the Lord at the age of 18, and found forgiveness for his sins. He was baptized in 1938 into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, by Minister Harvey Fricke in Greenland, Manitoba. He was faithful to his vows until death. On October 8, 1944 dad married Esther Ruth Quasso at Rosenort, Manitoba. They shared the joys and sorrows of life for 65 years. Their lives were enriched by the blessing of five sons and six daughters. In his younger years dad worked for his father in the lumber trade, and with his brothers in the bush camps. As the family grew he enjoyed farming together with his family. It seemed he could build or repair almost anything he put his hand to. He was a lover of Nature, and appreciated God’s creation. Family devotions and singing were very important to him. He was keenly interested in the spiritual welfare of his children and grandchildren, often expressing his hope of meeting us all in Heaven someday. In May of 1977, they moved from Landmark to a farm at Saltcoats, Saskatchewan. After retiring, Dad and Mom spent 3 years in voluntary service. This experience enriched their lives. In 2002 Dad and Mom moved to Stonebridge Villa in Steinbach, Manitoba. Left to cherish precious memories are: His loving wife, Esther, Ray & Sharon, Scotia, Nebraska, Dalton & Yvonne, Steinbach, MB, Bernice & Peter Warkentin, Ste. Anne, MB, Wes & Jenneth, Saltcoats, SK, Connie & Larry Bartel, Norquay, Saskatchewan, presently serving in Zimbabwe, S. Africa, Kathy & Marlin Warkentin, Ste. Anne, MB, Audrey & Allen Barkman, Birnie, MB, Valerie & Wayne Yost, Stapleton, Georgia, Karen & Art Froese, Erickson, B.C., Warren & Jacqui, Creston, B.C., Bob & Wendy, El Campo, Texas, 55 grandchildren and 76 great-grandchildren. He is survived by one sister, Elma & Robert Toews; one brother-in-law, Dan & Mary Reimer, four sisters-in-law: Nettie Penner, Edna Penner, Linda Penner, and Mary Penner; brothers-in-law Eugene and Lottie Quasso, Alfred Penner, and one sister-in-law Geraldine and Elden Warkentin. He was predeceased by his parents, eight brothers, two sisters, his parents-in-law, one brother-in-law, one sister-in-law, and one grandson. Funeral service was held on November 12, 2009 at 10:30 am, at the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Steinbach, with Minister Lorne Bartel officiating. Interment was at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach. The family would like to express thanks and appreciation to the doctors and nurses, home care givers, and the Maplewood Manor staff.