A.D. (Abraham Dueck) Penner passed away peacefully into the presence of his Lord on Friday, March 7, 2008 at the age of 97. His first wife Kay, and two infant sons predeceased him. Visitation and viewing will be at Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church, 360 McKenzie Road in Steinbach from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, March 10 and a memorial service also at Emmanuel Church on Tuesday, March 11 at 2:00 p.m. A.D. is survived by his loving wife Elaine, daughter Phyllis and Jim (Wiegand) Neustaedter, son Charles and Pauline Penner, daughter Ruth and Ken Janz, daughter Pearl and Jack Stenekes, daughter Chris and George Kornelson, step-daughter Yvonne Schroeder, step-son Kevin and Dale Schroeder, grandchildren Melody and Paul Loewen, Paul and Mary Jane Neustaedter, Mark and Lindy Neustaedter, Todd Penner and Jacqueline Klassen, Nicole and John Horodyski, Philip and Brenda Janz, Andrew and Carolin Janz, Jodie and Roberto Amaya, Simone Stenekes, Alison and Andrew Loewen, Jill and Michael Koop, Raisa and Michael Condic, 20 great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Abe Martens and numerous nieces and nephews. A.D. Penner was born in 1910 and grew up on a farm five miles northwest of Steinbach. He left the farm in 1937 to establish the Dodge dealership in Steinbach. He coined the phrase “The Automobile City” and contributed greatly to Steinbach becoming a thriving center for automotive trade. In the 1950s he also started a successful road construction and earthmoving business. At age 50 he earned his pilot’s licence and flew until age 85. He was instrumental in the building of the Steinbach Fly-in Golf Course. He enjoyed golfing, curling, skiing and riding horses and included his grandchildren in many of these activities. He served as Councillor from 1947 to 1957 and as Mayor from 1971 to 1980. He was a strong advocate for Steinbach, putting the community ahead of personal benefit. He was a dedicated family man, an active church member, a member of the Gideons, and an ardent supporter of Christian endeavours and world missions. A.D. was a man of vision, with a daring, imaginative, and determined spirit. He was a man of deep faith with a firm trust in Jesus Christ as His Lord and Saviour. His was a long, eventful and fruitful life. Special appreciation is expressed to the caregivers at Bethesda Place. Memorial donations may be made to The Gideons, PO Box 3619 Stn Main; Guelph, ON N1H 9Z9