Henry Penner

Henry Penner (87) of Oswego, Illinois passed away peacefully to eternal life on January 29, 2021 at Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care. He was born on October 20, 1933 to Jacob and Anna (Foth) Penner of Hillsboro, Kansas, a Mennonite community where he was educated in and spoke only German until the third grade. Henry enlisted into the United States Army in 1953. He spent three years of one tour of duty in Germany and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Army Occupation Medal. Following his honorable discharge Henry, a devout Christian felt his calling to the Lord and enrolled in Tabor College, and Manhattan Christian College graduating in 1964 as an ordained minister. Henry was united in holy matrimony in 1977 to his loving wife Barbara, and instantly became a second parent to her seven children. They enjoyed forty-three happy, loving years together with their large family after meeting at First Baptist Church, Aurora. Henry enjoyed a life of service to others by ministering to local nursing homes where he sang and played guitar for the residents, and later continued his service as an attendant to the residents at The Holmstad in Batavia. Henry was a great conversationalist who always had a kind word, and a joke to brighten your day. Henry’s many hobbies included studying his bible, playing guitar, riding his motorcycle, and enjoying wildlife having lived throughout the beautiful northwest. Henry is survived by his loving wife Barbara (McVicker Ellis), their seven children and spouses, twelve grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, one brother, John (Sue)Penner, and his nieces Sharon and Donna all of Texas. Henry was preceded in death by his parents; Jacob & Anna, and two half brothers Jake Jr and Peter Penner. In honor of Henry’s wishes, a private family only graveside burial will be held on February 3rd at Riverside Cemetery in Montgomery with Pastor Steve Good, Church of the Good Shepherd officiating. Condolences can be directed to Dieterle Memorial Home at www.dieterlememorialhome.com On behalf of Henry and his family we would like to thank Dr. Houlihan, Dr. Rousseau, Dr. Sekon, his Rush Copley ER nurse Stephanie and Dr. McDowell for their compassionate care, and the Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care Center staff. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Henry’s honor to Wayside Cross Ministries, 215 E New York St, Aurora, IL 60505