Obituary of Erna Penner

August 20, 1931 – Coaldale, Alberta

June 12, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Born on August 20, 1931, in Coaldale, Alberta, Erna was raised on the family farm growing sugar beets and wheat. After finishing public school, she attended Coaldale Bible School and completed her teaching degree through summer courses. A passionate educator, Erna spent the majority of her teaching career at the John Davidson Elementary School in Coaldale. After retiring in 1990, she didn’t sit still much—she loved to travel with her sister Agnes. They drove across Canada in their camper several times, visited relatives in Germany, and toured Europe. Closest to her heart, however, were the many trips to Hawaii, Waterton, and Victoria.

She doted on her niece, nephew, and their children and they called her Oma. She was also active in the church and supported missionaries around the world.

Erna passed peacefully on June 12, 2023, after a long struggle with Parkinson’s. She is survived by her sister Agnes, her nephew Dwayne Penner (Shauna), niece Gaylene Turner (Barry), and her “Grandkids”, Iliana, Sophie, and Charlie. She is predeceased by her parents Herman and Margaretha; her brothers, Abram (infant) and John, and her sister-in-law Jeanette.

In living memory of Erna Penner, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Heritage, 1708 – 16th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 0L7, Telephone: 403-243-8200.