Donald Ray Penner, 95, of North Newton, Kan., died April 3, 2021, at Kidron Bethel Village. He was born Jan. 17, 1926, to Dan and Marie (Boese) Penner.

He married Kathryn Bachman on Dec. 9, 1949.

He was a farmer, worked in manufacturing, and spent most of his career in data processing, retiring from Hay and Forage in 1991. He was very involved in activities at First Mennonite Church of Newton. His love of music and airplanes brought him great enjoyment. Having family and friends around him brought him great joy and comfort.

He enjoyed a long and productive life. Even as age bore down on him, his body became frail and his eyesight failed, he felt blessed to be alive. His graceful acceptance of his frailties in his declining years gave those who loved him comfort.

Survivors include his wife, Kathryn; a son, Gary (Lisa) Penner; two daughters, Jeanne (Ralph) Schmidt and Cathy (Greg Bartel) Penner; a sister, Carol (Olin) Claassen; a brother-in-law, Irvin Goertzen; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Joe, and sister-in-law, Florene

Riesen Penner.

Graveside services were held at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton. Memorial services were held at First Mennonite Church, Newton.

Memorials have been designated for Mennonite Central Committee and First Mennonite Church of Newton.