Elizabeth Penner

Elizabeth Wohlgemuth Penner Barkman was born to Cornelius P. and Maria (Warkentin) Wohlgemuth on May 1, 1919, in their home at Blumenhof, MB. She peacefully slipped away on August 20, 2016, at Steinbach, MB, with her daughters by her bedside, reaching the age of 97 years. Her favourite song the last while was, “Müde Bin Ich, Geh Zur Ruh’,” which her daughter Louise sang with her many times. She has now gained her rest.

Mother committed her life to God and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on August 14, 1932. She remained faithful to her vows until the end. Mother grew up in the depression years, learned hard work, resourcefulness and diligence. This she upheld until she died. She often spoke of her sisters’ deaths, Mary at 13, Tina at 49, and her mother who died when Mom was newly married.

On February 4, 1940, Mother married our father, Edward P. Penner at Greenland, MB. They made the Greenland community their home, and raised two daughters and four sons. Mother didn’t have the niceties of life, but she tried to teach us about salvation, reading Bible stories to us as children, and then helping us to find the Lord. Mother’s hands were always busy, working for her family.

Our father was taken suddenly and unexpectedly in death on November 1, 1984. Life changed for her, and shortly thereafter, she moved off the family farm to her retirement home in Greenland with her daughter, Louise. She resided here for 10 years and then she married Minister Alfred Barkman in July of 1995. She lived in Steinbach the rest of her life, including the Barkman family as her children and grandchildren.

Her husband’s health declined and he moved to the Maplewood Manor, and Mother moved to the Maplewood Suites to be close to him. It was hard for her to accept the gradual loss of independence, first her home, and then her driving, but she enjoyed the friends around her, adjusting to life there. Our step-father died on December 17, 2005.

Mother was rarely sick. However, in her last years she suffered from dementia, which frustrated her. In 2010, she moved to full care. She often wanted to go “home.” In spite of her dementia, Mother expressed her thankfulness frequently.

Mother is survived by her six children: Louise, Ste. Anne, MB, Delbert & Bev, Arran, SK, Winston & Noreen, Ste. Anne, MB, Leroy & Rosalie, Arran, SK, Wendell & Carol, Ste. Anne, MB, Mary Ann & Bruce Toews, Ste. Anne, MB, 30 grandchildren and 59 great-grandchildren. Also the Barkman family, Les and Lisa, Minneapolis, MN, Sandra & Bill Friesen, Blumenort, MB, Allan & Barb, Steinbach, MB, Lori Plett of Steinbach, MB, 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren. Her in-laws: Caroline Penner, Esther Penner, Lydia Toews, Helen Toews, Marianne & Leroy Reimer, Naomi & Clifford Warkentin, Marlene Penner, Corney & Linda Penner, Joe & Adeline Penner, also Stanley Barkman.

She was predeceased by her husbands, her daughter-in-law Marjorie, her parents, and all her siblings.

A special thank you to those who cared for Mother in her declining years, especially our sister, Louise, who unselfishly gave of herself, spending much time with her. A special thanks to Dr. Duerksen and the Maplewood Manor staff.

The viewing will take place on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 162 Hwy 52 W, Steinbach, MB.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the Greenland Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, with the interment at the church cemetery. Viewing will also be prior to the service.