Obituary

Gerta Penner died on Monday (Jan. 24, 2011) at the Presbyterian Manor in Newton after a short illness.

Mrs. Penner was born on Nov. 6, 1921, in Hoetensleben, Germany, and served as an army nurse during World War II. She met and married her husband, Hans, during the war and moved with her family of four from Germany to Newton in 1956. She took great pride in being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and she helped to support her family with several part-time jobs. For a number of years, she and her husband ran a home business translating aircraft flight manuals from English into Spanish and French. For many years, Mrs. Penner worked part time for Dr. Herbert Schmidt in his medical practice. When Mrs. Penner was not busy with her family or at work, she enjoyed reading and crossword puzzling. She was a voracious reader and had a thirst for knowledge and intellectual stimulation. She also enjoyed a lively debate and took keen interest in current events.

She is survived by her large family and neighbors, who will miss her greatly. We will always remember her thoughtfulness, generosity and kindness. Rolf and Inge Penner of Wichita are her children. Ivy, Jeff, Karley, Kaitlyn and Kieryn Knobbe of Cimarron, Robert, Katie and Kaila Penner of New Port News, Va., Derrek, Tina, Christopher, Westley, Kayley and Ester Burrows of McPherson and Edith Loughmiller of Dodge City are her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and extended family. Mrs. Penner was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; Hermann and Paula Glitzner Peine; and her brother, Harry Peine.

Friends and neighbors may pay their respects at the Broadway Colonial Funeral Home from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday.
At her request, no memorial services will be conducted. Her family will have private gravesite services. The family request no flowers and that contributions be made to a charity of your choice. Contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, KS 67114.