Leonard H. Penner, 84, of Goshen, Ind., died May 17, 2022. He was born xxxx to Henry and Eva Penner in Winkler, Man.
On July 23, 1960, he married Lorena Detwiler in Westover, Md.
In 1958, he committed to one year of voluntary service with Mennonite Central Committee at Junior Village in Washington, D.C. As a conscientious objector, he served from 1960 to 1963 in alternative service at Brooklane Hospital, Hagerstown, Md.
After attending Goshen College, he was employed for 22 years at Yoder Popcorn as manager, later becoming a partner.
In retirement, he spent many hours of volunteer work with Mennonite Disaster Service. In 2007-08, he served as community coordinator for MDS in New Orleans, where he connected MDS with other city and charity organizations to help homeowners rebuild. He also joined volunteers that came to rebuild homes.
He loved his family dearly. Friends and neighbors inspired him. He was an avid reader and lifelong learner. He loved telling stories of his life experiences. He was an active member of College Mennonite Church, where he was involved in handyman service projects and reentry ministry.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lorena Penner of Goshen; three sons, Lee (Debra) Penner, Lowell (Leah Lichtenberger) Penner and Lauren (Hilary) Penner; four siblings, Edwin (Lynne) Penner, Evangeline (Ken) Watson, Kathy (John) Klassen and Bill (Anna) Penner in Manitoba; and seven grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a stillborn grandson, Cody Penner.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. July 8 at College Mennonite Church, where a memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. July 9. Memorial donations can be made to Mennonite Mission Network or Mennonite Disaster Service.
