Ralph W. Penner, 67, of Newton, died on Tuesday (May 17, 2011) at his home.
Ralph was born on Sept. 13, 1943, in Goessel to Herman and Dorothy Harms Penner. He spent his childhood growing up on a farm near Hillsboro. He attended Johannestal Church and was baptized there at the age of 13.
During his teenage years, Ralph was in 4-H and had a grand champion Hereford three years in a row. Ralph graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1961, where he played football all four years and lettered honorable mention in his senior year.
Ralph married Carol Schrag on May 4, 1963, at Eden Mennonite Church in Moundridge.
He worked as a warehouse foreman at Kevco for 17 years, and then he was a semi truck driver at Hehr Inc. for 25 years.
Ralph was a member of the Harvey County Fair Board for several years and was involved in readying the Demolition Derby arena for each derby. He also was involved in teaching and helping his sons, Ryan and Rydell, in building demolition derby cars.
His hobbies included fishing, camping and teaching younger children how to water ski, including his two sons. He also enjoyed watching TV sports, especially pro football and college basketball.
Survivors include his wife, Carol of the home; two sons, Ryan Penner and wife, Jennifer, and Rydell Penner; five grandchildren, Alexis Altum, Brendan Crawley, Chelsie Penner, Acacia Penner and Rylan Penner, all of Newton.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents of Hillsboro, and two brothers, Darrell Penner of Newton and Ronald Penner of California.
Friends may call from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home in Newton, where the family will receive friends between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.
Graveside services and interment will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Restlawn Gardens of Memory near Newton.
Memorial services will follow at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Koerner Heights Church of the Mennonite, 320 N. Meridian in Newton.
A memorial has been designated with Koerner Heights Church Building Fund. Contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, KS 67114.
Condolences may be left at www.broadwaycolonialfh.com.
Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home of Newton.
