It is with heavy hearts, yet with profound gratitude for a life richly lived, that we announce the peaceful passing of our father and husband, David "Dave" Penner, on May 16th.  Anchored throughout his life by his faith, Dave leaves a legacy of service and unwavering devotion to his immediate family, Anne’s family, as well as a large extended family of siblings, nieces, and nephews.

Born on June 9, 1934, Dave grew up in a large and industrious family. He was a man of immense strength - both in character and conviction. While he was known at times to be strongly opinionated, he was better known for his incredible work ethic and generosity. He gave generously of his time, his resources, and his skills, always willing to help anyone in need. His garages and storage sheds- on the farm, in the city, at the lake - all famously stocked with tools,  parts, lumber, and motors - stand as a lifelong testament to his readiness to fix a problem, lend a hand, or build something lasting.

In November 1954, Dave married his first love, Margaret Klippenstein. Together, they shared an adventurous life, establishing homes during their 43-year marriage on the farm, then in Swift Current, Hepburn, and at Anglin Lake. Their love for travel took them all over North America, Europe and Africa. A significant highlight for them was the year they spent in Africa, working side-by-side with Dave’s sister, Katy - a true reflection of his servant's heart. When Margaret passed away tragically in 1997, Dave grieved her deeply.

After selling his farm and fully retiring, Dave was fortunate to experience love again when he married Anne Friesen in 1999. Together, Dave and Anne built a wonderful life defined by their deep commitment to each other, their continuing love of travel, and their joy in spending time with both of their families and friends, first at Anglin Lake, then in Swift Current where they established their homes together, on Buffalo Drive and then at Riverview Estates. 

Dave’s Christian faith was the bedrock of his life, sustaining him through the most difficult and challenging circumstances he faced. He lived out his beliefs practically, demonstrated through his actions, as a mechanic extraordinaire, a catering chef, construction contractor, and through multiple community service activities. In 2002, he was recognized by then Lieutenant Governor Lynda Haverstock with a Golden Jubilee Medal for his volunteer service.

He was a proud and devoted father to his four daughters, and his heart only grew with the arrival of his 9 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He loved them deeply, taking immense pride in all of them. Even as his health declined in the last year, he always asked, where/how are the children? 

Dave is survived by his loving wife, Anne; his four daughters Gwen (Ken) Dueck, Connie Epp, Glenda (Barry) Wall, Cyndy (Janok) Bhattacharya, and their families, including 9 grandchildren (Nicholas, Anthony, Derek, Kelsy, Bridgette, Kendra, Justin, Brett, Darren) and 21 great-grandchildren; and his younger sister, Anne Tymos. Also mourning his passing are Anne’s children, Irwin, Karen (Rory) McLeod, Rosanne (Don) Loeppky and Lawrence (Angie), and their families, including 6 grandchildren (Jacob, Andrew, Rebecca, Matthew, Mitchell, Maverick) and 5 great grandchildren.  He was predeceased by his first wife, Margaret, his parents, and eight siblings.

The Celebration of Life Service was held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 2:00 pm from the Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current, SK with Brent Siemens (Great Nephew) officiating. The Service Host was Ken Dueck (Son-in-law) with Leanne McConnell and Kerry & Sheila Braun (all Family Friends) serving as musicians. “It Is Well with My Soul” and “What a Day That Will Be” were sung by the congregation under the direction of Dan Siebert (Family Friend). Scripture was read by Mitchell Friesen (Grandson) from Psalm 23. Stories and Tributes were shared by (Grandchildren) Justin Wall, Derek Epp, Kelsy Traverse, Nicholas Dueck, and Anthony Dueck, and by (Children) Karen McLeod, Lawrence Friesen, Rosanne Loeppky, Cyndy Bhattacharya, Glenda Wall, Connie Epp, and Gwen Dueck. The ushers in the church were Jacob Loeppky and Brett Wall (Grandchildren). The luncheon was “In true dad/grandpa/great-grandpa fashion, there will be a party. We will have coffee and ice cream, his favorite foods”. The Interment preceded the Celebration of Life Service and was held at Mount Pleasant Burial Park, Swift Current, SK with All the Grandchildren serving as pallbearers, Nicholas, Anthony, Derek, Kelsy, Bridgette, Kendra, Justin, Brett, Darren, Jacob, Andrew, Rebecca, Matthew, Mitchell, and Maverick. To honor his deep commitment to refugee sponsorship, international development, and missions, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Mennonite Central Committee (https://MCC.org) or Multiply (https://multiply.net/). The family placed their trust with Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.