Alvin I. Penner, 90, of North Newton, Kan., died Feb. 18, 2026. He was born Dec. 8, 1935, at home in McPherson County, Kan., to Anna (Pauls) and Isaac Penner.
After graduating from Inman High School in 1954, he worked at Culvert Manufacturing Co. in Hutchinson, in addition to farming. In 1955 he registered as a conscientious objector and served two years with Mennonite Central Committee at Denver General Hospital, where he learned that he had a passion for hospital administration. At First Mennonite Church in Denver, he met Sue. Both enrolled at Bethel College, and they were married in 1958.
After graduating from Bethel in 1961, he worked six years for a certified public accounting firm in Newton. Beginning in 1966, he served 20 years in administration at Bethel Deaconess Hospital, loving every minute. He oversaw the transition of Bethel Home for the Aged into the Kidron Bethel Retirement Community. He received additional education in hospital administration at St. Louis University.
In 1986 he was recruited to be Chief Operating Officer at Hutchinson Hospital. This was a bit like coming home, as the area was close to where he grew up. Beginning in 2003, he worked five years in fund development at Schowalter Villa. Later he learned laser engraving, starting a small business.
Al chaired the Harvey County United Way, the Harvey County Blood Drive, the Newton USD 373 School Board and the Bethel College Board of Directors. He served as mayor of North Newton. Having a passion for the church, he served on the board of the Western District Conference of the General Conference Mennonite Church. He enjoyed traveling the country with the Kansas Health Policy Council.
He coached Little League teams, facilitated family gatherings and trips. He enjoyed time in his workshop, coffee with friends, playing weekly tennis matches and riding his bike on the North Newton trails.
Surviving are his wife; son Keith (Sharon)
Penner; daughter Connie (Jerl) Banning; daughter-in-law Marlene Penner; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were a son, Kevin Penner; brother Elmer; sisters Sara Irene Penner and Elizabeth Thomas; brother-in-law Charles Thomas; and sister-in-law Joetta Penner.
A memorial service was held at Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton.
