Gertrude "Gertie" Penner

Gertrude “Gertie” Penner (nee Dueck), age 89, of Swift Current, SK went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Saturday, February 22, 2020 (02/22/2020) at 20:00 hours at Cypress House, Swift Current. Gertie was born May 19, 1930 in Main Centre, SK to Franz & Katharina Dueck.

She married Abe Penner on November 9,1947. Gertie  & Abe moved to Swift Current in 1972. She sewed for weddings, graduations, and made many alterations, decorated wedding cakes, and babysat many children. Gertie also loved to crochet, knit, bake, garden, and do puzzles. Gertie & Abe enjoyed watching the Gaither’s and Time to Sing, and sang along with them — when family was there, they all joined in with the hymn singing.

Her greatest joy was her family — all seventy and counting — and she loved to cook for them all whenever they would gather, no matter what occasion. Gertie especially loved visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She volunteered at Bridgeway Community Church with MOPS (Moms of Preschoolers), as well as filling shoeboxes and supporting Samaritan’s Purse for Operation Christmas Child. After Abe’s passing in 2013, Gertie moved to Prairie View Lodge, where she made many friends and became involved in the Craft Club. They would make lap blankets and other projects to sell and raise money for local charities.

In 2017, Cypress House, where her sister, Mary, lived, became Gertie’s home. The sisters enjoyed going to church downstairs together and other entertainment, often seen holding hands. Gertie enjoyed going down for bingo and was excited to win a mini chocolate bar for Jenn (and only Jenn was allowed to eat it). Sometimes, when the girls would visit, she would show off her Crokinole skills. For the Christmas Door Contest in 2018, she was so proud of her door, which was decorated as “Gertie’s Greatest Gifts” and featured each of her family members as a wrapped gift. She won second prize and was so excited to share that with us.

Gertie was a small, quiet woman, but a very strong example. She was very strong in her faith and love of Jesus Christ, and taught each of her children this same faith. She prayed daily for each family member as well as her “Care Family” at Cypress House, whom she truly loved.

Gertie is survived by her children, Verna (Francis) Collinson (Swift Current, SK), Elvira (Terry) Kenzie (Medicine Hat, AB), Tim (Wendy) Fehr (Regina, SK), Ray (Leone) Penner (Regina, SK); Ron (Kyra) Penner (Leduc, AB), Jenn (Garth) Bauer (Swift Current, SK), and Patti (Wayne) Hildebrandt (Blumenhof, SK); her fourteen grandchildren and their spouses; her twenty-eight great-grandchildren (with two more on the way); her sisters, Susie (Paul) Dyck and Elizabeth (Ben) Driedger; her sisters-in-law, Cheryl Dueck and Sarah Dueck; her brother-in-law, John (Nellie) Penner; and by many nieces and nephews.

Gertie was predeceased by her husband, Abe, in 2013; her daughter, Doris Fehr, in 1980; her parents; and by six brothers and sisters.

The Funeral Service for Gertrude Penner was held on Friday, February 28, 2020 at 1:00 pm from East Side Church of God, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Pete Naylor officiating. “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” “Where the Roses Never Fade,” and “In the Sweet By and By” were sung by the congregation under the leadership of Pastor Dustin Strauss, who accompanied on acoustic guitar. Brad Penner, Jason Fuller, Matthew Fuller, Mason Collinson, and Hayden Collinson read Psalm 23 and Isaiah 41:10. The tribute was given by Michelle Fuller and Karla Straus on behalf of the family. The obituary was read by Joe Collinson. The ushers in the church were Abe Funk, Ed Driedger, Russell Funk, and Willie Funk.

The Private Family Interment Service was held prior to the Funeral Service from Memory Gardens Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with Brad Penner, Stephen Penner, Morgan Penner, Joe Collinson, Dave Bauer, and Nathan Stenerson serving as Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers were Mike Collinson, Ryan Kenzie, Michelle Fuller, Jenita Naylor, Karla Strauss, Tanya Yong, Laura Steinke, Christy Thackery, and Raeanne Stenerson.

In memory of Gertrude Penner, donations made to Gideons International and Samaritan’s Purse/Operation Christmas Child would be appreciated by the family. 

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