Abraham Penner, age 87, of De Smet, passed away Sunday, March 3, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Society at De Smet.

His funeral service was held at 10:30 AM, Friday, March 8, at the Faith Mennonite Church, rural Iroquois. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

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Visitation was held from 1:00 to 4:00 PM Thursday, March 7, at the Kuhler Funeral Home, and then continued from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday evening at the Faith Mennonite Church, rural Iroquois.

Abraham E. "Abe" Penner began his earthly sojourn on April 5, 1936. He was born to Isaac and Maria (Ensz) Penner at Inman, Kansas.

He grew up together with his brother, Clarence, on a farm near Inman, Kansas. His only sister, Irene, died before he was born. He developed a strong work ethic, working beside his father and brother. Dad shared many memories of those days. He received his formal education at the Golden Rule School at rural Inman, Kansas.

Upon surrendering his life to Christ, he was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on May 5, 1949. He remained faithful to these vows until the end. Thus began a life of service to Christ and the Church, and reaching out to the unfortunate around him.

He gave his time in lieu of military service at a hospital in Roseburg, Oregon. He often shared memories from those days, even taking us as a family there to show us points of interest.

He made his first trip to South Dakota with his uncle, David Penner, at 13 years of age. He began farming there as a "suitcase farmer" in his early twenties.

On May 29, 1960, he married Clarabel Dirks at Montezuma, Kansas. They settled near Iroquois, South Dakota shortly after their wedding, where he farmed until he retired. Four children were born to this union. He was a committed husband and father and provided for us very well, spiritually and materially.

Dad was called by God and the church and ordained into the deaconry on December 13, 1970. He was the first deacon in his congregation and gave himself to this work. He was a supporter of new congregations and was especially involved in the beginning of the congregation at Ward, South Dakota. We also enjoyed working in some mission outreaches.

We children were never in doubt that our Dad loved the Lord. He was a modest man, and we want to embrace the values he stood for. Bible reading was important to him and we especially remember his prayers. He led us by example with an unwavering trust in God.

Dad was blessed with good health most of his days. Several years ago, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's which began to have a debilitating effect on him. This led to our parents becoming residents of the MeadowLane Villa in Osceola, South Dakota. This setting provided them with a safe and secure home.

One year ago, Dad was admitted to the Good Samaritan Center in De Smet, South Dakota. We appreciate the care he received and are thankful to those who gave themselves for his comfort.

Those left to cherish precious memories are his loving wife, Clarabel of Iroquois, South Dakota; his children, Philip and Marilyn of Iroquois, South Dakota, Anne and Don Schmidt of Stapleton, Georgia, Jean and Darrell Amoth of Pipestone, Minnesota and Jonathan and Jennifer of Iroquois, South Dakota; seventeen grandchildren; thirty-two great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Betty Penner, Wanetta Parks, Joan Ensz and Gloria Koehn; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were, his parents; one sister; one brother; one son-in-law, Silvan Fast; his parents-in-law; four brothers-in-law; and one sister-in-law.

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