Larry Penner

PENNER, Larry Peter Born March 16, 1951 – March 27, 2025. Aged 74 years.

Our husband, dad, and grandpa was born on March 16, 1951, to Edwin and Irene Penner in Steinbach, Manitoba. He was the oldest of seven children, and was always looked up to by his siblings. At the age of 13, he gave his heart to God, and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite Church. His love for the church never wavered.

When he was 17, he moved with his family from Greenland, Manitoba to Swan River, Manitoba, and helped his dad start up a mixed farm there. By the time he was 30, he had been a farmer, a grain elevator attendant, an automotive mechanic, and a plumber. New ideas and projects were always a fun challenge for him.

On October 13, 1974, he married me, Dolores Froese, in Roblin, Manitoba. This started 50 years of a wonderful life together. The element of surprise was important to him in the different ways he showed his love to those closest to him. 1 daughter and 4 sons were born to us, and filled our life in many more ways.

Dad’s love for Mom was a source of security in our home. He was interested in us, and we knew we could ask him anything. His favorite sayings were often repeated, and many of them live on in our minds. Travel was always on his mind, and we enjoyed many trips near and far as a family.

After 7 years on the farm in Swan River, the plumbing opportunities in Roblin brought us to the community that would be home for the rest of his life. The first two years spent living in the old house on Duncan Chase’s yard were the start of a friendship he always held dear. As a business owner, he thrived on the daily interactions in the community and always had time to visit with his customers when the job was done.

As a father of 4 at the age of 35, the doctors answered our questions about his health issues with the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. The next 40 years, the progression of this disease shaped his and all of our lives in a myriad of ways. The plumbing business had to close after 10 years, and he continued to provide for us with a small accounting business. His cheerful disposition and unshakeable faith in God kept him through the darkest times. One of the best life lessons he taught us without words was to face the things you can’t control with a quiet acceptance.

The last 10 years of his life were spent in the Crocus Court Personal Care Home in Roblin. We greatly appreciate the excellent care and many friendships formed through these years. He often wished to go back home, but seldom complained. In the last few months his desire to go home took on new meaning. God granted his wish, and quietly took him to his new home in the early morning of March 27, 2025.

Those left to cherish fond memories are: His loving wife Dolores, His children, Roxanne and Nathan Friesen , Neilburg, SK, Emily and Clay, Alana and TJ, Jessica, Abigail; Donovan and Grace, Roblin, Mb, Nikki, Jolie, Ashley, Landon, Brecken; Tim and Tanya, Roblin, Mb, Annika, Daisy; Arlin and Carla, Marsden, SK, Morgan, Dominic, Jensen; Kendall and Rachel, Lawrencetown, NS, Sofia, Lucas, Isla. Five brothers, Denver and Marilyn, Dayton and Sarah, Myron and Veronica, Darrel and Vivian, Lyle and Donella. One sister, Marilyn and Phil. Dolores’s mother, Susie Froese, siblings, Clement and Vivian, Janice, Maynard and Faye, Becky and Randy, Hannah and Lester, Cindy and Stuart.

He was predeceased by his parents, his father-in-law, and 1 brother-in-law.

A Memory Service was held March 29^th, 2025 at the Church of God in Christ Mennonite. A Funeral Service was held March 30^th, 2025 with Minister Stuart Isaac and Minister Ron Friesen officiating. Those wishing to make a donation in honour of Larry can send their support to the Roblin District Community Foundation for the Crocus Court Personal Care Home. 

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