Delbert W. Penner was born on August 7, 1948, to Edward and Elizabeth Wohlgemuth Penner. On May 12, 2023, with his wife and family by his side, he took his last breath and peacefully crossed over Jordan. His death was a result of a lung disease.

Dad gave his heart to God and was baptized into the church of God in Christ Mennonite at a young age. He remained faithful to the end. As his health failed his heart was soft and tears came easy. He longed to regain his health and continue his projects but became submitted to Gods will.

Dad was the oldest son and at 36 when his father passed away suddenly in 1984, he took the responsibility seriously to be there for his siblings.

Dad found his life’s companion in Beverly Goossen and they were married on August 26, 1969 in Greenland, Manitoba. To this union were born 5 sons and 2 daughters. The first three years they lived in the St. Anne area, and he worked at Rays Auto as a mechanic. In 1972 they moved to Benito, Manitoba where he grain farmed and raised broilers. He also did lots of mechanic work for the locals.

Dad was a dedicated husband and father. He was very innovative and taught us children to work hard and be productive. There was no time for being sick. He grew up through hard times and out of necessity he was good at making do. Dad was passionate about farming and enjoyed clearing and improving farmland at Thunderhill alongside his good friend Jake Wohlgemuth. Dad was very outgoing and could meet people and make a connection with almost anyone and was not scared to ask them about their faith.

Dad and Mom gave of their time at the Montreal boys unit, the Edmonton girls unit and as missionaries in Smithers, B.C. The boys and girls they were Papa’s to were very special to them/him.

Dad is survived by his loving wife, Beverly, children: Doug and Kristi, Goshen, Indiana; Christa and Lauren, Dewberry, Alberta; Dwayne and Shaelan, Porcupine Plain, Saskatchewan; Chad and Joan, Beausejour, Manitoba; Michael and Krista, Dewberry, Alberta; Paula and Greg, Stenen, Saskatchewan; Marcus and Trista, Benito, Manitoba; 26 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren; siblings: Louise, Winston and Noreen, Leroy and Rosalie, Wendell and Carol, Maryanne and Bruce; in-laws: Ken and Jan, Ron and Laurie, Elfrieda and Howard, Monroe and Julietta, Virgil and Lorna, Andy and Tina, Priscilla, Art and Michelle, Susan, Cathy and Andrew, George and Donna, Liz and Abe, Frank and Carla.

He was preceded in death by his parents and parents in law, step father and one sister in law.