Donald Ray Penner

Donald Ray Penner passed away peacefully Saturday, April 3, 2021 at the age of 95 at Kidron Bethel Village, North Newton, KS.

Don was born January 17, 1926, to Dan and Marie (Boese) Penner. He married Kathryn Bachman on December 9, 1949. He was a farmer, worked in manufacturing, and spent most of his career in data processing, retiring from Hay and Forage in 1991. Don was very involved in First Mennonite Church Newton activities. His love of music and airplanes brought him great enjoyment throughout his life. Having family and friends around him brought Don great joy and comfort throughout his life.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Joe, and sister-in-law, Florene Riesen Penner. Don is survived by Kathryn, son Gary (Lisa), grandson Jason Scarff (Mandy), grandson Daniel (Danielle) and great-granddaughter Aubry; daughter Jeanne Schmidt (Ralph), granddaughter Renae Peters (Jason), great-granddaughters Myra and Celia, grandson Jason (Carol), great-granddaughter Greta and great-grandson Ethan, granddaughter Jill (Ben Gerig), great-grandson Jude, daughter Cathy (Greg Bartel), grandson Creigh (Gaelle), grandson Landon (Erin), sister Carol Claassen (Olin), brother-in-law Irvin Goertzen, and numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces.

Don enjoyed a long and productive life. Even as age bore down on him, his body became frail and his eye sight failed, he felt blessed to be alive. His graceful acceptance of his frailties in his declining years gave those who loved him comfort. He will be greatly missed, but we take comfort knowing he is in the loving arms of his Heavenly Father.

Graveside service will be at 2:00pm on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton, KS. Family will meet with friends from 2:30pm – 3:30pm on Sunday, April 11, 2021 at First Mennonite Church Newton, with a memorial service to follow at 4:00pm.

Memorials have been designated for Mennonite Central Committee and First Mennonite Church Newton, in care of Peterson Funeral Home, 215 N. Main, Newton, KS 67114.

The family requests the use of masks as you join us for the services.  https://vimeo.com/event/874327