Jake Penner

1930 - 2022

Jake Penner of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on the morning of Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at the age of 92 years.

A private burial service was held at the Westview Cemetery of Grassy Lake (formerly the Mennonite Brethren Cemetery), on Wednesday, May 4, 2022. 

Left to mourn and celebrate his life are his loving children daughter Wanda Bahniuk (Stan), sons Randall Penner (Martha) and Roger Penner (Jennifer); grandchildren Thomas Penner, Megan Hyland, Matthew Bahniuk, Nicole Bahniuk, Taryn Bahniuk, Mack Penner, Austin Penner, Kale Penner, Ty Penner; great grandchildren Mitayah, Jordyn and Colter Penner, Sam and Maddie Hyland, Hazel Jordison, and Maya Kruger; brother Bill Penner (Grant Clark); brother in law Dr. Werner Pankratz (Ruth); sisters in law Joanne Penner Herron and Susie Pankratz, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

He was predeceased by his first wife and beloved mother of his children, Ella Penner; his second wife, Edna Penner; his parents Mary and David Penner; sisters Marie Thiessen, Freda Neuman and Erna Dyck; brothers David Penner and Willard Penner.

Jake was born in the family home south of Grassy Lake to David and Mary Penner on January 29, 1930. Raised in a Christian home under the faithful guidance and example of his parents, he always spoke fondly of his childhood and the relationships he shared with his six siblings. He attended Deer Park Country School and graduated from Alberta Mennonite High School, in Coaldale, as the valedictorian. It was there he met the love of his life, Ella Pankratz. They were married in September of 1953. They were blessed with three healthy, beautiful children. Sadly, Ella passed away in 1974 following a courageous battle with cancer. Jake was remarried to Edna Andres in 1975 and they had forty seven years together until her passing in August of 2021. Following Jake’s retirement from farming he and Edna spent thirteen wonderful years in Kelowna and enjoyed winters in the warm sun of California and Arizona.

A meticulous farmer, Jake took great satisfaction and pride in maintaining his crops, yard and home. Everything was always perfectly in its place. He was incredibly resourceful and could design, build and fix anything to which he put his mind. He generously shared his time and talents with anyone in need. As a dedicated member of the church, he served in many capacities including church choir and teaching Sunday school. Jake loved to work hard and play hard and possessed an infectious vitality. He enjoyed and excelled at many sports, but was particularly passionate about tennis. Following retirement, he played almost daily, well into his eighties. He had an abiding affection for horses and treasured time spent riding and caring for them.

A deep and enduring faith in God was reflected in the way Jake lived his life. He was a man of great integrity and was a good, kind and gentle soul. He loved his family and was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His grandchildren adored him. He had boundless energy, he played games, told stories, sang songs and shared so many laughs. His legacy of love and family will be cherished and he will be dearly missed.

The family would like to convey sincere gratitude to Jake’s family physician, Dr. Colin Walsh, Home Care Case Manager Janae Jakobsen, and the staff on 3C Surgery at Chinook Regional Hospital, for the wonderful medical care and compassion extended to their dear father.