Irvin Penner

Irvin Penner was born to Heinrich and Maria Penner on September 13, 1929 in Domain, Manitoba. He was the youngest of seven children, two of which passed away at a young age. He was the only member of his immediate family born in Canada, after his parents had immigrated from Russia (Ukraine) via Corn, Oklahoma. He was nine years younger than his next sibling and had a very lonely and overly protected childhood. At his passing, he was the last member of his immediate family to enter eternity.

Irvin accepted Jesus as his personal Lord and Saviour in the summer of 1942 at a Summer Vacation Bible School. The teacher personalized John 3:16. In his own words, “I had the joy of accepting Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour at that time. Usually I walked the three miles home along the road, but this time I was so excited to tell someone about my new found faith that I ran across to the neighbours through the wheat fields, and then home to tell my mother.” In subsequent years Irvin would memorize 300 Bible verses so he could attend Gimli Bible Camp, where he later served as a Junior Counsellor. He saw this as a season for growing in his faith, and enjoyed connecting with others his age. As a teenager, he was baptized in the South-end MB Church.

After 8th grade the Penner family moved to Winnipeg. Coming from a country school, and struggling with his grades, Irvin was made to repeat grade 8. The year he was going into Grade 9, MBCI, a Christian High School opened and he had the joy of graduating there.

On weekends, Irvin participated in a youth group at an Alliance Church. It was there he dedicated his life to serving the Lord in full time ministry while attending a Mission’s Conference.

Following High School Irvin attended the Winkler Bible Institute where he met Mary Voth and was immediately attracted to her for her ability to conduct hymns in Hymnology Class. Through their first year he made many efforts to win her affection that were not reciprocated. At the end of the year, Irvin put her suitcase in the back of his dad’s car to give an excuse for her to ride back to Winnipeg with the Penners. The relationship blossomed over the summer, and Irvin and Mary returned to Bible School as married students the next year.

Being the practical person that he was, and even though Irvin had committed his life to Christian Ministry, he enrolled in Normal School after Bible School and became a teacher. In case things didn’t work out in ministry, he would always have something to fall back on. It took 18 years, and a lot of God’s prodding to get Irvin and Mary to finally enter full time ministry.

In the first five years of their marriage, they were blessed with the birth of three children: Marvin, Marilyn and David. Their early years were marked by moving to and from several communities where Irvin taught in small country schools. Eventually their journeys took them to Steinbach where they became an active part of the teaching community and the Steinbach MB Church.

During the years the family spent in Steinbach, their home was shared with three Bergstrom brothers, whom Mom and Dad loved as their own. As well, the family rejoiced with the addition of another sister, Karen. Shortly after, the family moved back to Mary’s hometown of Arnaud.

In 1968, Irvin and Mary responded to the call of God and went into full time ministry in Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan. Irvin and Mary endeared themselves to the Russian/Ukrainian people of the community. Irvin was also the camp director of Redberry Bible Camp. While in Blaine Lake the family grew once more when Christopher was chosen to be the fifth member of their family.

Over the next years, ministry led Irvin and Mary to Swift Current, Newton, Woodrow, Cochrane, Enchant and Arnold. In between ministries, Irvin attended Briercrest Bible College after overseeing all their children graduate from Caronport High school and the three eldest from the Bible College as well. Irvin enjoyed a season of ministry with Venture Teams International. This took them across Canada, visiting churches, raising support and building relationships with donors.

As retirement came near, Irvin and Mary spent several years in Vancouver and Abbotsford. Together they enjoyed a pastoral ministry to other seniors who lived in their buildings. In 2001 an opportunity opened for them to move into Fernwood Place in Steinbach. They were thrilled to be able to reconnect with family and life-long friends over the next 10 years. Those years were marked by a great deal of joy and contentment. Irvin served that community as a volunteer program coordinator, bringing in special groups and organizing events. No one could set up the chairs as perfectly as he did. Using the special jig that he had made, he assured that the rows were perfectly straight and evenly spaced.

When it became evident that Mary’s health was failing, and they needed to be closer to their children, Irvin and Mary returned to Abbotsford in 2011. The next years were challenging for Irvin as he took on greater responsibility of caring for Mary. He demonstrated to all of us what it means to be faithful, loving and committed “for better or worse, in sickness and in health.” He treated his wife with dignity and respect and served her with joy. When the time for her departure came, he was sitting alone with her reading the words of the 84th Psalm. “How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty….. Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere…..The Lord bestows favor and honor, no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.”

Irvin knew what it meant to trust the Lord. His greatest desire was to honor Him, and that others would get to know his Saviour. Even when things were difficult, he wanted people to see the beauty of Jesus, and the joy of the Lord in him. After Mary went home to heaven, Irvin continued to live life to the full. He enjoyed relationships with friends and valued time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He prayed for all of them daily and took interest in the things they were busy with. The last wish he expressed for his family was that each one would come to know the Lord, so we could all be together someday in a place where there would be no restrictions on getting together.

At his passing, Irvin is survived by his 5 children and their spouses; his grandchildren and great grandchildren, who all were made to feel like they were special. He is also survived by 3 siblings in law, Rudy Pauls (who was also a good friend) Hedy Voth and Jean Voth. Irvin is fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

A gathering to celebrate Irvin’s life will take place at a later date. He will be laid to rest next to his loving wife in Manitoba in June.

In honor of the rich heritage and history of the Penner family, and in light of the current situation in Ukraine, memorial donations can be made to MCC (Mennonite Central Committee) Ukrainian Relief. When making your donation, please indicate that it is in memory of Irvin Penner. You can donate online here: Ukraine emergency response | Mennonite Central Committee (mcccanada.ca)

MCC Canada

MCC Canada

134 Plaza Dr.

Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9

Canada

Office: (844) 732-2346

Toll Free: (877) 684-1181

In remembrance of Irvin, there will be an informal gathering of family and friends on Friday,

June 17, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Steinbach Mennonite Brethren Church, 340 - 2 Street, Steinbach Manitoba.

Interment to take place on a later date at La Salle Cemetery where Irvin will be laid to rest beside his dear wife Mary.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfh-abbotsford.com for the Penner family.