Alvin Toews Penner

Alvin Penner was born December 11, 1929, to Frank G. and Marie Toews Penner at Greenland, Manitoba. At age eighty-eight, he peacefully passed away with his two eldest sons by his side, on September 30, 2018, in the Tri Lake Hospital at Killarney, Manitoba. He bravely endured the battle with cancer the last twenty months of his life.

  Alvin was the second eldest of five children who grew to adulthood. When he was young, he accepted  Christ into his life. At twelve years of age, he was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, by Min. P.A. Penner on July 19, 1942. He grew up on the farm at Greenland, Manitoba, and spent many winters in lumber camps. He received his education at the Montezuma School in Greenland.

  On May 20, 1956, our father married Leona Dueck at Greenland. They enjoyed sixty-one years together. In the spring of 1958, at the same time as three other couples, our parents with their first child moved from Greenland to Cartwright, Manitoba. This was the beginning of the Cartwright congregation. They farmed south of Cartwright where we boys were born.

  Dad was strong, hardworking, and ready to get up early, faithfully providing for us, asking little in return. He had enough going on with the farming, livestock, and construction to keep all of us boys busy. Dad was also willing to share and sent us to help others when there was a need.

  Dad's example in confessing his faults was special. His choices in life were for the truth and right. He was a gently, quiet man and had a deep love for our mother and greatly missed her after her passing in May of 2017. He always listened and was interested in our lives. He was concerned his children and grandchildren would reach Heaven and mentioned often that we all want to go there, especially during this  last year. He last words expressed his anticipation of a home with no pain. During difficult times like a hailstorm, he would gather the family for a prayer. His prayers ended with "Thank You for salvation" with much emphasis.

  Our parents spent two and a half years as houseparents at the children's homes in Winnipeg, starting in 1992. Later they spent over two years at the mission in Harrison, Michigan. When he semi-retired, they moved into the village of Cartwright. He enjoyed taking trips and driving truck.

  Alvin is survived by his children: Sylvia, Cartwright, Manitoba; Ken and Sharon, Halbstadt, Manitoba; Lester and Lenore, Loudonville, Ohio; Delton and Jenny, Cartwright; Roger and Sheila, Orlando and Kay all of Arcadia, Florida; Verlin and Maricela, Kenora, Ontario; Frieda and Dale Wohlgemuth, Hadashville, Manitoba; twenty-three grandchildren and twenty-three great-grandchildren; his brother, Leo, Edmonton, Albert; and sister, Rosa Ginter, Winnipeg, Manitoba; Leona's brother, Leonard and Irma; her sister, Lavina and Denver Wiebe; brother-in-law, Herbert Reimer; sisters-in-law: Lydia Mae Dueck, Carol Dueck; and many other friends and family.

  He as preceded in death by his wife, his parents, one brother, and two sisters (one in infancy).

  The funeral service was held October 5, 2018, at the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Cartwright, Manitoba. Officiating ministers were Randell Reimer, Linley Doerksen, Orville Friesen, and Don Penner. Burial was at the Cartwright Cemetery.

Messenger of Truth Vol 116 No 22 October 24, 2018* Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Jan 26 2022, 6:21:15 UTC