Fredrick John Penner

Fredrick (Fred) John George Penner, aged 71, passed away suddenly from heart failure on September 7, 2019, surrounded by his eldest son and youngest grandson.

A celebration of his life will be held at 1pm on Saturday, September 14th at the Mayerthorpe Baptist Church, 4606 54th St, Mayerthorpe, AB.

Fred is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Mary, sons Lloyd (Roxane), Leonard (Kari), grandsons AJ and Spencer, brother John (Audrey), nephew Matthew, niece Alison (Shae), and many other cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents John and Martha Penner.

Fred was born January 19, 1948 in Saskatoon, SK, to John and Martha Penner. The first years of his life were spent on a homestead in the Meadow Lake area. During this time, when he was 6 years old, the Holy Spirit convicted him of his sin.  He repented and became a child of God.  Three years later, his father passed away when he was nine and then his family moved to Dalmeny, SK.  He spent most of his formative years in Dalmeny.  After highschool he attended Millar Memorial Bible Institute where he made many lifelong friends, graduating in 1970.  This is also where he met his future bride Mary; they married later that year, on August 8, 1970.

They began their life of full time ministry for the Lord on their honeymoon, and over the years their ministry took them from California to Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and finally settling in Lorette, MB, as part of several mission organizations.  These included Gospel Recordings, the Pastorate, and Canadian Sunday School Mission. In his retirement years he attained his Class 1 trucking license and was able to fulfill a childhood dream in doing so.

Fred was passionate about the Gospel and came alive with every opportunity to preach, provide pulpit supply, speak at Bible camps, lead Bible studies, perform wedding ceremonies and teach Sunday School. He shared his faith with his many friends and neighbors.  

In 2016, Fred and Mary moved one more time to Mayerthorpe, AB, at the request of their son Lloyd and his family, to be near them for the adventure of developing their small farm north of town and to influence the lives of their grandsons.

Whether it was pressing records, printing literature, snow clearing, driving truck or clearing fence lines, Fred was known for regaling everyone with stories of his latest adventures. He will be remembered for his vibrant storytelling and his large personality.

He will be missed dearly.

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