Josephine Penner

Josephine Irene Strenge, the daughter of Eilert and Gerdena (Siefkes) Strenge, was born on December 4, 1920, at Jeffers, MN. She was baptized on April 10, 1921 at the Christian Reformed Church, and in 1942, she joined Bethel Mennonite Church in Mountain Lake, MN. Jo received her education at a country school near her home, and in 1984, she earned her GED. On July 9, 1939, Jo was united in marriage to Anthony Tony Penner in Mountain Lake. They made their home south of Mountain Lake for 44 years where they farmed together and raised their four children. Following their retirement they moved to Windom, MN, and Jo later moved to Chatfield, MN to be near her daughter. She was active on the farm and loved driving tractor and plowing. She also loved to go fishing and also enjoyed baking. Jo and Tony traveled with the Farmer Magazine groups to Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii. Jo was very active in her church, serving with the Worship and Sew, the Refreshment Committee, baking bread for communion, and as a part of her Sunday School Class. She also served as a Gray Lady. Josephine died on Monday, June 18, 2007, at the age of 86 years, at the Chosen Valley Nursing Home in Chatfield, MN. Josephine Penner, 86 ,of Chatfield, MN, formerly of Mountain Lake and Windom, MN, died on Monday, June 18, 2007 at Chosen Valley Nursing Home in Chatfield, MN Jo is survived by her three children, Irene Van Norman and her husband Willis of St. Charles, MN, Ronald Penner and his wife Phyllis of Burnsville, MN, and James Penner and his wife Tootie of St. James, MN; seven grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; a brother, Lawrence Strenge and his wife Grace of Odin, MN; two sisters, Florence Snook and her husband Don of Ironton, MN, and Evangeline Harder of Mountain Lake; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; AnthonyTony Penner; a daughter, Janet Penner; a grandson, Todd Penner; four sisters, Gretchen Huebsch, Dena Carlson, AnnaBelle Olson and Margaret Rosenberg; and five brothers, George, Dick, Eilert, Calvin and John Strenge.