Katharina F. Penner

Mennonite Genealogy with Michael Penner

Catherine F. Penner (1911-1955)

Obituary from Christlicher Familienfreund, June 24, 1955, p.10

Life Story of Mrs. Ben D. Reimer nee Katharina Penner

Very unexpectedly and suddenly my beloved wife and mother of our home was brought through the all-wise, resolute God into the heavenly home.

She was born in the home of her now deceased parents, Peter M. Penners, on February 20, 1911 in Lorette, Manitoba, and died 8:30 Sunday evening, June 12, 1955, in her home.

As an 18 year-old girl, she converted at a revival meeting in the Holdeman church, and on November 3, 1929 of the same year she was baptized on the confession of her faith by the elder Peter P. Reimer and was received into the Evangelical Mennonite Church (at that time Kleine Gemeinde).

We joined hands in matrimony on October 28, 1931, and father H. R. Reimer spoke the marriage blessing over us in the home of her parents.

Step by step the Lord led us further and soon also instilled in our hearts a large burden to bring the Gospel to lost souls. To this end, we moved to Winnipeg where I attended Bible School for some years to prepare for spiritual work. My wife was always a large support to me, and also later, when I was selected preacher in the Prairie Rose Church, she stood faithfully by my side with advice and deed, and especially in prayer.

The Lord blessed us with eight children: Peter, Doreen, Bernice, Gordon, Mary Rose, Ruth, Steven and Karen.

The sudden passing away of sister Reimer was caused by blood clots in the arteries of her lungs. She had by that time been plagued for a while with gallstones, and for that subjected herself on advice of the physician Friday, June 3, to a gallstone operation in the Bethesda Hospital, which went well. After 9 days, she was permitted home and together with family were happy that she so beautifully improved and her powers returned. Yet it turned out differently. Sunday, June 12, her death came and snatched her hastily away. She lived to be 44 years, 3 months and 23 days.

But nevertheless God be thanked, she leaves behind to mourn her, me, her spouse, the children, five brothers: Dave, Abe, Walter, Norman, all resident in Lorette, and Archie of Steinbach, two adopted sisters, Ruby, Mrs. Archie Plett, Lorette, and Hazel, Mrs. Paul Saty, Winnipeg, and many relatives and acquaintances.

Preceding her are in death: her parents P. M. Penners and sister Caroline, Mrs. H. S. Reimer.

We cannot do otherwise but thank the dear Heavenly Father for his great love; also we thank for his act on us and hope that through it souls were led to the Lord, and yet many would like to be converted.

We can say with Job: The Lord has taken away, the name of the Lord be praised! Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from on. Yes, says the Spirit, they rest of from their labour, for their deeds will follow them (Rev. 14:13).

Would like to express our ardent thanks for all the participation, love, and comforting words that were shown us in these days.

May the Lord reward all.

B. D. Reimer and Family ■

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