Leonard H. Penner

Leonard Penner, 84, died in Goshen May 17, 2022. He was born in Winkler, Manitoba, Canada to Henry and Eva Penner.

On July 23, 1960, he married Lorena Detwiler in Westover, MD.

He is survived by his wife Lorena Penner, Goshen; three sons, Lee (Debra) Penner, Lowell (Leah Lichtenberger) Penner, Lauren (Hilary) Penner; seven grandchildren, Ariel Penner (Jason Comotto), Jordan Penner, Christian Penner (Nicole Shartzer), Trae (Derek) Church, Breana Penner, Thea and Greta Penner; and four siblings, Edwin (Lynne) Penner, Evangeline (Ken) Watson, Kathy (John) Klassen and Bill (Anna) Penner in Manitoba, Canada.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a stillborn grandson, Cody Penner.

In 1958 Leonard 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 1960-1963 in alternative service at Brooklane Hospital, Hagerstown, Maryland.

After attending Goshen College, Leonard was employed for 22 years at Yoder Popcorn as Manager, later becoming a partner.

In retirement, Leonard spent many hours of volunteer work with Mennonite Disaster Service.

In 2007 to 2008, he served as Community Coordinator for Mennonite Disaster Service 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.

Leonard 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 re-entry ministry.

Visitation will be held July 8 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at College Mennonite Church, where a memorial service is planned for July 9 at 11 a.m. Memorial donations can be made to Mennonite Mission Network, P.O. Box 370, Elkhart, IN 46515; https://www.mennonitemission.net/ or Mennonite Disaster Service, 583 Airport Rd., Lititz, PA 17545; https://mds.org/ .