Obituary of KURT GERALD PENNER

KURT GERALD PENNER Kurt Gerald Penner peacefully left us to walk with the Lord on the morning of April 19, 2014, one day short of his 62nd birthday. He will be remembered and forever loved by his wife Monique Desrosiers; son Nathan (Julia Cole); daughter Jocelyn; daughter Andrea (Mark Hladik); mother Jane; brother Paul (Sharon) and their children April and Justin (Brenda and their son Julien); sister Roberta (Gerard Scott-Herridge) and their children Crystal, Joel (Ann and their son Zachary) and Evan; and the extended Desrosiers family headed by his in-laws Gérard and Annette, 6 sisters-in-law, 2 brothers-in-law, their spouses, 11 nieces and nephews and their spouses, 1 great-niece and 3 great-nephews. Kurt touched many lives and kept in close contact with his beloved uncles Henry (Betty), Vic (Alvena), Carl (Janice), his beloved aunts Lois, Mary, Kay, Ellie, Anna, and Lil. He never lost sight of a cousin whether they were first, second, third or distant. He loved fully and unconditionally and he felt loved back. He was pre-deceased by his father Nicholas in 1982. Kurt joined the New Democratic Party when he was 16 years old. He came to the Lord when he was 21. He studied at Providence College in Otterburne and has a master’s degree in Biblical Studies and Counselling. He worked in Atikokan, Ontario as a mental-health director but returned to Winnipeg and worked the better part of the last 56 years in the political arena. His passing leaves a huge void with his political family. (Kurt and) Monique wish to express their gratitude to the St. Boniface doctors, nurses and staff on the fifth floor and the emergency room triage and attendants following his week’s stay in February; and, to the staff at the Seven Oaks Wellness Centre. The family wishes to thank the first responders, the two respectful police officers who showed great compassion in our time of need. Cremation has taken place. Prayers will be held on Friday, April 25 at 7:00 p.m. at the St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 250 Jefferson Avenue, officiated by Father Bohdan (Don) Lukie and Deacon Gérard Desrosiers. The funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cropo Funeral Chapel at 1442 Main Street, officiated by Dietrich Desmarais. Pallbearers are Tim Penner, Tom Penner, Randy Penner, and Reg Dyck. Honourary pallbearers are Roland Buller and Marc Desrosiers. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates your donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. My sweetheart left me on April 19th. Take care of him Lord.