Bertha Penner

Bertha E. Friesen was born on November 21, 1912 to Bernhard D. and Margaretha (Epp) Friesen near Henderson, NE. She received her education at a country school near her home. On June 4, 1933 Bertha was baptized upon confession of her faith at the Bethesda Church in Henderson, NE. Bertha helped care for children and did housework for families prior to her marriage. Bertha was united in marriage to David D. Penner on September 2, 1948 at Henderson, MN. The couple made their home and farmed near Darfur, MN, where they raised their children. In 1981 they moved in to Mountain Lake, MN. Following Mr. Penner's death on August 17, 1990, Bertha continued to make her home in Mountain Lake. She entered the Eventide Nursing Home in 1992, and in 2006 she moved to the Good Samaritan Village. She enjoyed crocheting, puzzles, gardening and sewing. Bertha was a member of the Bethel Mennonite Church in Mountain Lake, where she enjoyed study and fellowship with her Sunday School Class. Bertha died on Thursday, March 12, 2009 at the Good Samaritan Village in Mountain Lake at the age of 96 years. Bertha was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; four brothers, Adolph and his wife Goldie, Alvin in infancy, Arlie and Jacob; and a brother in law, Howard Friesen. She is survived by a daughter, Verona Newman and her husband Rodney of Truman, MN; a son, Arlie Penner and his wife Arlis of Story City, IA; seven grandchildren; five great grandchildren; a sister, Pauline Friesen of Henderson, NE; a brother, Clarence E. Friesen and his wife Gladys of Henderson, NE; two sisters-in-law, Elsie Epp and Elsie Friesen, both of Henderson, NE; many other relatives and friends.