Donald Ray Penner
1926 - 2021
Donald Ray Penner passed away
peacefully Saturday, April 3, 2021 at the age of 95 at Kidron Bethel
Village, North Newton, KS.
Don was born January 17, 1926, to Dan
and Marie (Boese) Penner. He married Kathryn Bachman on December 9,
1949. He was a farmer, worked in manufacturing, and spent most of his
career in data processing, retiring from Hay and Forage in 1991. Don
was very involved in First Mennonite Church Newton activities. His
love of music and airplanes brought him great enjoyment throughout
his life. Having family and friends around him brought Don great joy
and comfort throughout his life.
Don was preceded in death by his
parents, his brother, Joe, and sister-in-law, Florene Riesen Penner.
Don is survived by Kathryn, son Gary (Lisa), grandson Jason Scarff
(Mandy), grandson Daniel (Danielle) and great-granddaughter Aubry;
daughter Jeanne Schmidt (Ralph), granddaughter Renae Peters (Jason),
great-granddaughters Myra and Celia, grandson Jason (Carol),
great-granddaughter Greta and great-grandson Ethan, granddaughter
Jill (Ben Gerig), great-grandson Jude, daughter Cathy (Greg Bartel),
grandson Creigh (Gaelle), grandson Landon (Erin), sister Carol
Claassen (Olin), brother-in-law Irvin Goertzen, and numerous nephews,
nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces.
Don enjoyed a long and productive life.
Even as age bore down on him, his body became frail and his eye sight
failed, he felt blessed to be alive. His graceful acceptance of his
frailties in his declining years gave those who loved him comfort. He
will be greatly missed, but we take comfort knowing he is in the
loving arms of his Heavenly Father.
Graveside service will be at 2:00pm on
Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton, KS. Family
will meet with friends from 2:30pm – 3:30pm on Sunday, April 11,
2021 at First Mennonite Church Newton, with a memorial service to
follow at 4:00pm.
Memorials have been designated for
Mennonite Central Committee and First Mennonite Church Newton, in
care of Peterson Funeral Home, 215 N. Main, Newton, KS 67114.
The family requests the use of masks as
you join us for the services.
