Obituary of Helen Penner

Helena Penner nee Krahn, age 71, of Steinbach, MB., passed away in her home on April 24, 2024. She is survived by her three children and their families including seven grandchildren as well as her chosen family – Rocky (and family), Willy, Jane and Nicole.

She will be lovingly remembered by her sister Mary, her four sisters-in-law and four brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Jacob Penner, her parents John F. and Margaret Krahn, her brother John Krahn, her sister and brother-in-law Margaret and Otto Funk, her parents-in-law Peter F. and Maria Penner, and brothers-in-law John and Henry Penner.

Mom was born into a large and loving family. She married the love of her life August 28, 1971, in Grunthal Manitoba. Mom never had a real job but had the best and hardest job of being a mother to three children. She filled her time by volunteering at every event in the community, school, and church. Mom was the most devoted wife and even picked up farming despite not growing up in the country. In 1993, Dad changed careers to work with the RM of Hanover, in which mom enjoyed drive alongs for many site checks and road inspections. This shift in career changed their life significantly. They found more space to travel, spend time together and enjoy their grandchildren. A highlight trip was their missionary work with New Tribes Mission in Durham, Ontario. They were both able to use their gifts to serve others which brought them so much joy. After dad’s passing in 2005, Mom’s course of life shifted. She decided to move to Steinbach in a home her family built. She started to adventure on trips with her friends, spend time with her grandchildren and found new places to volunteer such COPPS. In addition to this, she worked as a support worker with Envision for a short stint of time. Summers were spent at lilac with her friends and family. She enjoyed cruising around the city, playing cards all night and morning coffee dates on her deck.

After an early diagnosis of respiratory issues, Mom’s health was compromised further after she contracted covid in late 2021. It was at that time, we really saw the impact she had on others by how others supported her in return. Her agenda always had 2-3 visitors listed per day, her fridge was always stocked and her heart was always full of love. Despite her struggles, her commitment to friends and their needs and milestones never wavered, still wishing people a happy birthday until the day she passed.

A special thanks to her friends and family for all the support, love and prayers. You taking caring of her also supporting in taking care of her whole family. Your generosity and actions have not gone unnoticed.

The come & go viewing will be held Monday, April 29, 2024, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

The memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., with a private family interment at Rosengard Cemetery on Tuesday morning. To join the family via live stream, please click HERE shortly before the service.