Obituary of Mildred Helen Penner

Mildred Helen Wohlgemuth Penner was born on April 27, 1931, to John and Martha Wohlgemuth in Steinbach, MB.

Our dear mother and grandmother peacefully passed away on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at Maplewood Manor, Steinbach, MB., at the age of 91 years.

She gave her heart to God at a young age and was baptized on December 12, 1943, into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite, Steinbach, MB., by Rueben Koehn. This faith was precious to her and she embraced it to the end. Mom had a happy childhood, growing up in the Clear Springs area.

Mom married our dad, Waldon Penner, on September 23, 1951. God blessed their home with five daughters and two sons. Mom faithfully stood by dad’s side, supporting him in his ministry. Her love for others was shown by her listening ear and her encouragement.

Mom was a homemaker, teaching us love, kindness, and hospitality untiringly. Her love of cooking, gardening, quilting and knitting are interwoven into our memories of home. Grandma made each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren feel special.

Mom and dad started their life together in Greenland, MB., then moved to Cartwright, MB., and later to Edberg, AB. Their retirement years were enjoyed in Annapolis Valley, NS.

After 61 beautiful years together, dad passed away in 2012, leaving mom very lonely. However, she cheerfully and courageously carried on and enjoyed spending her last years at Maplewood Manor with her siblings and girlhood friends. We are deeply grateful for the love and care shown to our mother the past 10 years by the Maplewood Manor staff and her special nieces including Leona and Phyllis.

Those left with many fond memories are her children: Ethelyn and Charles Friesen, Eden, MB., James and Phyllis Penner, New Norway, AB., Darlene and Ken Isaac, Vanderhoof, BC., Elaine Friesen, Berwick, NS., Kelly and Twila Penner, Aylesford, NS., Shirley and Milferd Unruh, Dewberry, AB., Audrey and Abram Penner, Green Valley, ON; Dwane Friesen, Creston, BC; she is also survived by her 31 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, sisters: Olive Toews, Iroquois, SD., and Frances Goossen, Grandview, MB; brother: Norman and Darlene Wohlgemuth, Bredenbury, SK; sister-in-law: Libby Wohlgemuth, Oaklake, MB; and many more relatives and friends.

Those waiting on the other shore are her loving husband, her parents, five brothers, two sisters and one granddaughter.

A public viewing will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach MB with a time of memory sharing to follow at 7:30 p.m. 

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, June 26, 2022, at 11:00 a.m at Church of God in Christ, Steinbach, MB with an interment to follow.