Ernst Penner
1929 - 2015 Obituary
Ernst Penner, 86, died, Friday
September 18, 2015 at Kidron Bethel Healthcare in North Newton,
Kansas. He was born May 13, 1929 in Danzig, Germany to Franz and
Marie (Froese) Penner. On September 6, 1959 he married Shirley Weaver
and she preceded him in death on October 20, 2011. "Ernie"
acquired his nickname after he came to America as an adult. He and
his twin brother grew up as typical farm boys of the era. Life for
his two older brothers was not so carefree. Germany was at war and
they became soldiers. When Ernie was 15 life became very serious.
Enemy forces were moving across the area and confiscated and occupied
whatever they wanted. Civilians abandoned their homes and farms and
became refugees. Amid all the confusion his father became ill.
Medical help was not available and he died leaving his wife and 4
young sons. They managed to escape to the American zone but even then
life was hard. Their diet was supplemented by care packages from
America, but it was still meager. Eventually the brothers worked
their way into the economy and Ernie chose to immigrate to the United
States. Here he enrolled at Hesston College. His outgoing roommates
made him feel welcome and along with his teachers taught him the
English language. He spent two years working as an orderly at KU
medical center in Kansas City. Bethel Hospital sent their students on
3 month rotations to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. One of
the student nurses was to become his future wife Shirley Weaver. They
were married on September 6, 1959. They built a home in Kansas City
where Ernie worked for a construction company. He later joined
Hesston Corp and moved to Hesston, KS. In 1943 Ernie and his twin
brother were Baptized in the Laddekop Mennonite Church in Germany.
While living in Kansas City he and his wife were active in the
Rainbow Mennonite Church. After moving to Newton they joined the
Faith Mennonite Church. Ernie was a loyal employee and that loyalty
carried over to his home and church life.
He is survived by his children Tony
(Tammy) Penner of Kansas City , KS and Judy (Cara) Penner of Wichita,
KS; granddaughters: Nicole (Bryce) Alderson of Shawnee, KS, Danielle
(Brady) Schleicher of Kansas City and Baylee Penner of Kansas City;
He also has 4 great grandchildren: Lillian, Madelyn, Landon and Mason
and a brother Herbert of Germany
Ernie is preceded in death by his
parents, wife, twin brother Heinz and brother Walter.
Graveside Committal service will be
10:00 a.m. Friday, September 25, 2015 at Greenwood Cemetery in
Newton. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Faith
Mennonite Church in Newton with Chaplain Eric Massanari presiding.
Memorials are suggested to Kidron
Bethel in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
