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KURT GERALD PENNER  Obituary pic

KURT GERALD PENNER

Date of Passing: Apr 19, 2014

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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, six sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law, their spouses, 11 nieces and nephews and their spouses, one great-niece and three 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 predeceased 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, 1442 Main Street, officiated by Dietrich Desmarais. Pallbearers are Tim Penner, Tom Penner, Randy Penner, and Reg Dyck. Honorary pallbearers are Roland Buller and Marc Desrosiers. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates your donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. My sweetheart left me on April 19th. Take care of him Lord. Cropo Funeral Chapel, 204-586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 24, 2014

Condolences & Memories (41 entries)

  • Missing you more and more each day, my sweet, sweetheart. - Posted by: Monique (Wife) on: Jun 03, 2014

  • I had the pleasure of working with Kurt in the Dept of Infrastructure. He was a very kind spiritual man who loved life, family and helping people. Often times he would offer me great parenting advice when I needed it. The best times are when we would play office pranks on him like the time we taped his phone, we laughed so hard. Kurt you will be missed. - Posted by: Carla young (Co-worker) on: Apr 29, 2014

  • As stated by the many people who have contributed to Kurt's memory, Kurt was a very kind and thoughtful gentleman. When Marie and I were in a quandary to obtaining our passports, Kurt took it upon himself to help us even though he did not have to. We were always happy to see Kurt whether it was in Winnipeg at the Leg where he worked with Oscar, or on the campaign trail or at OCN/The Pas. I remember one campaign where we were going around in The Pas delivering campaign literature. My wife and I took our leisurely time with the task while Kurt was literally running from house to house, sweating and dogs barking at him. We will miss meeting and seeing Kurt. We always looked for him when we were in Winnipeg. We were honoured to have him as a friend. - Posted by: Jerry Henderson and Marie Jebb (Friend and fellow NDP'er) on: Apr 29, 2014

  • My deepest condolences to you Monique, and to his family and friends. Kurt was so kind, a true gentleman, a devoted and dedicated worker. At work, he was like my rock. I could always depend on him. He always boosted my spirits in any given situation. He will be missed so very much by so many people. - Posted by: Donna Kildaw (co-worker) on: Apr 29, 2014

  • My husband & I knew Kurt through my sister, Lois Penner. We didn't see him often, but whenever we did he always had a huge hug & handshake, & pleasant conversation with lots of laughs. He was a kind, sweet, soft, genuine person. He will be greatly missed, because he was greatly loved. We were blessed to know him. Our hearts go out to his wife & family, & his dear mother Jane. May God grant you peace & comfort. Sincerely, Donna & Ray Cherniak (nee Linklater) - Posted by: Donna Cherniak (Friend) on: Apr 28, 2014

  • Kurt has touched many lives with his kind, gentle, caring personality. He will be truly missed. Condolences to the family. - Posted by: Judy Audette (Former (Friend) Worked in the Leg when Kurt was SA for Oscar Lathlin) on: Apr 26, 2014

  • To Kurt's family. I was both shocked and saddened to learn of his passing. I was blessed to have met such a gentle and caring soul in Kurt. He always gave me words of encouragement and a smile whenever I had the good fortune to meet him anywhere. I will miss seeing him in the same familiar places where are paths crossed from time to time. However our common faith will once again bring us to that city of joy where all this pain and sorrow we now experience will be wiped away, where we will meet all our loved ones and never to separate again. May God's love carry you through. - Posted by: Ron Evans (Friend) on: Apr 25, 2014

  • Dear Kurt The Lord bless thee, and keep thee. The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Numbers 6:24-26 Penny & I will always remember your kindness & tenderness at the time of our Grandpa Jack's passing. You were the first one to drop in just shortly after we received the news. At the time of our father's passing, you recommended the book "Heaven is for Real", although we have not yet read it, we are sure to see the movie & think of you. Our heartfelt condolences to Monique, Nathan, Jocelyn & Andrea. Condolences to Paul & Sharon, Roberta & Gerard, and families, and to Auntie Jane. Love Diana & Penny - Posted by: Diana, Penny & Stephen, James, Kelly, Cynthia, David, & Evan (Diana & Penny (cousins)) on: Apr 25, 2014

  • My heart goes out to you Monique and your family on the passing of your beloved Kurt who lived a life of goodness devoted to the values of fairness, cooperation and compassion. May the knowledge that Kurt lives on in the individuals and communities he changed forever and for the better give you strength and peace. - Posted by: Judy Wasylycia-Leis (Friend) on: Apr 25, 2014

  • Dear Monique, I remember Kurt very well when you followed the Nathanael Formation Process. Kurt was always faithfully with you and was interested in all that we were speaking of as he was, indeed, a man of faith. I remember him fondly and was so surprised when I heard of his sudden death. I offer my prayers to you and the entire family and my thoughts will be with you as you come together in community to celebrate his life even though I will be unable to be with you in person. Many blessings to you Monique and I pray God's blessing on you as you journey this difficult time. In the peace of Christ, Julien Fradette, Nathanael Formation Process - Posted by: Julien Fradette (past acquantance of Monique and Kurt) on: Apr 25, 2014

  • It has been a number of years since I worked with Kurt at the Leg but I think of him often because he was so very kind to me when my mother passed away. He shared many recollections and expressed his admiration for her. Kurt was also an enthusiastic mentor, always ready to share his wealth of information, experiences and advice. Please accept my sincere condolences for your family's loss. - Posted by: Lindsay Storie (former co-worker) on: Apr 25, 2014

  • Kurt was truly a unique person. His dedication to serving Manitobans was outstanding. He was a role model for many staff at the legislature. He will be deeply missed. - Posted by: David Chadwick (friend co-worker) on: Apr 25, 2014

  • I first met Kurt when I was provincial secretary for the NDP back from '93 to '97. Kurt somehow came in to my office, I don't remember why, and from the moment we met it was as if we were old friends. Kurt was like that; very kind and caring. He will be missed by so many. My deepest sympathies to Monique & family. - Posted by: Pat Britton (Friend & Colleague) on: Apr 25, 2014

  • I just learned of Monique and Nathan's trajic loss. I'm so sorry to hear of Kurt's passing. On behalf of your old colleagues at Man Con, Nathan please accept our deepest and sincere condolences. Monique, nous t'aimons beaucoup et encore plus dans se temps de peine. André - Posted by: Andre Desrosiers (Monique's cousin and Nathan's friend.) on: Apr 25, 2014

  • Kurt was such a warm and optimistic person. He was committed to the NDP and the core values we stand for. What I admired most, was that Kurt lived those values as a kind, caring and generous man. I will miss him. - Posted by: Leslie Turnbull (Friend) on: Apr 25, 2014

  • Kurt had a unique and engaging personality. He was a man of deep conviction, yet on a personal level he was always cheerful, soft-spoken and upbeat. He was the bedrock of the New Democratic Party in the River East constituency. He was the candidate for the party in the last two provincial elections and came tantalizingly close to being elected on both occasions. Additionally, however, he worked diligently behind the scenes to keep the social democratic movement focused on its principles. Quite simply, Kurt Penner was the classic embodiment of a selfless individual; he gave far more than he ever demanded in return. We will miss him dearly. Our deepest sympathy to Monique and the rest of Kurt's family. Eugene Szach (River East NDP) - Posted by: Eugene Szach (Friend) on: Apr 24, 2014

  • I was shocked to learn that Kurt had left so soon and so chère Monique and family, I offer you my condolences and prayer knowing full well that the Lord will be closely present to you all. I really would have liked to attend the prayer service held at St. Joseph Ukrainian Catholic Church where I attended the Good Friday liturgy the evening before Kurt passed away. Unfortunately, I have a commitment for Friday evening and on Sat. I will be teaching Scripture at the Winnipeg Nathanael week-end held at St. Benedict Monastery. It will be an excellent moment to remember Kurt because it was at those Nathanael week-ends that I first met him and where he participated with such enthusiasm. I can still see his Bible filled with all those notes and scribblings from his days at Providence College. - Posted by: Camille Legare (friend) on: Apr 24, 2014

  • I never once saw Kurt without a big smile on his face. His dedication to the party, the political process and the people of this province will be well remembered. - Posted by: Carmen Neufeld (Former co-worker) on: Apr 24, 2014

  • I've only known Kurt for the past two years, but came to realize early on that he was a very caring, understanding & sociable person. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Ron Kostyshyn (Co-worker at the Leg.) on: Apr 24, 2014

  • I am saddened to hear the news of Kurt's passing. He struck me as a very genuine man, always striving to do what was right and to aid those in need. He will most certainly be missed. - Posted by: Amy (Co-worker) on: Apr 24, 2014

  • Thinking back to all my favourite memories of you Uncle Kurt, and I miss you already. But I know you'll always watch over us. Love you. Rest easy. - Posted by: Camille Legal (Niece) on: Apr 24, 2014

  • kurt was such a nice man always very frendly always had a smile came in every morning for breakfest and talk. he will be missed. - Posted by: luigis resturant (resturant staff) on: Apr 24, 2014

  • Kirk put his all for whatever minister or MLA he worked for. The 17 years kirk spent with the late Oscar Lathlin than after with Steve Asthon made him a Northern at heart. He loved coming north and doing work for the constituents in the off hours. we spent many hours douing membership in The Pas and Flin Flon constituency. It did not matter who you were Kirk treated you with respect. He will be missed. - Posted by: Gordon Landriault (Co worker and Friend) on: Apr 24, 2014

  • I am so sorry to hear about Kurt's passing. Kurt was such a good man. He was always so friendly and positive. Although we only worked together a short time, he always remembered me when I would run into him. His smile and loving attitude will be always remembered and appreciated. My sincerest condolences to Kurt's family at this difficult time. - Posted by: Norma Spence (Former Co-Worker) on: Apr 24, 2014

  • Monique et famille - Nos pensées sont avec vous dans ces moments difficiles. Recevez nos plus sincères condoléances. - Posted by: Laurent et Ginette Tetreault (Friend of the Family) on: Apr 24, 2014

  • Kurt was a man of principle; he did what was right and good, irrespective of party or person. Providence is deeply indebted to his work, most recently in legislation allowing for a highway sign crtical to highway safety. I made many visits to his legislative office. Conversation always involved his compassion for people. It is hard to accept that his work should be done at such a young age. Kurt has heard the words "well done good and faithful servant." He has entered the joy of his Lord. May all of us have peace that passes understanding. - Posted by: August Konkel (Friends ) on: Apr 24, 2014

  • Dear Monique, We are shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Kurt. He was a very gentle and caring soul and God will have a very special place for him in heaven. We will keep you in our prayers during this very difficult time. Your deep faith will carry you through this Monique. Our deepest sympathy. Rest in peace Kurt and may perpetual light shine upon you! See you later Friend! - Posted by: James & Helen Knockaert () on: Apr 24, 2014

  • The world has lost a kind and loving man. He was someone special who cared about people and had no problem finding that common ground with which to relate to them and/or help them. He did that with me on many occasions either on the phone or in person. Much sympathy to his family personally and from the Northern Regional Cabinet Office in Thompson MB. - Posted by: Elaine Settee Perepeluk (NRCO MB Government) on: Apr 24, 2014

  • Kurt was here for all the right reasons. He wanted to make a positive difference by helping people in any way he could. I had the honour and privilege of working with Kurt when the late Oscar Lathlin was Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs. We started working together once again in 2012 for Infrastructure and Transportation. I used to call him the Mike Holmes in Government, because he always wanted to make things right. Our sincere condolences to Monique, Nathan, Jocelyn and Andrea. His time here was a great gift to all of us. - Posted by: Shirley Frank (Friend and Co-worker) on: Apr 24, 2014

  • Kurt and I both worked at the Leg at the same time for several years. Whenever I would see him in the hall he would always stop and ask how I was, and he would actually wait to hear the answer! He always struck me as such a kind and genuine person and I am glad to have known him. - Posted by: Erin (former co-worker) on: Apr 24, 2014

  • My condolences to the family, friends and co-workers. Kurt sure made life interesting. Was always asking how I was doing. He always seemed to know the right questions to ask or comment to make when we were working on issues together. We travelled together. His passion for making things better for others was always felt by me. He encouraged me in this respect. He will be missed. - Posted by: Bobbi Montean (co-worker) on: Apr 24, 2014

  • Kurt was one of the kindest and most honorable people I have had the pleasure to work with. His dedication to the Party and his belief that we could make lives better for others was unwavering. When one thinks of Kurt the term gentle giant comes to mind. He was that in so many ways and will be missed greatly. - Posted by: Michael Balagus (Friend) on: Apr 24, 2014

  • I have only known Kurt for a few short years, the first in-law I met when entering into a large loving family of which Kurt always had kind words and a smile when he talked of them. He had a wonderful capacity to share wisdom and laughter when recounting stories. He was a giant of a man with the most gentle soul. - Posted by: Don Decker (Brother-in-law) on: Apr 24, 2014

  • "Life is the greatest gift that God has given us. Death is only a bridge towards eternal life with God. Certainly, heaven is rejoicing for another soul has reached his true home." Kurt will be greatly missed! - Posted by: Line Decker (sister in-law) on: Apr 24, 2014

  • I was deaply saddened to hear of the loss of this kindhearted man. I first met him in 2009 when I started at the Legislative building and I was struck by the fact that he would remember a person's name after first meeting them and afterward would make sure to greet them by name and with a smile and kind word for the day. He made me smile everytime I spoke with him even though I only had the pleasure to do so on a handful of occasions. He was never too busy to stop and chat about how my kids were. He was the kind of person that would make everyone feel a little bit happier just for having spoken to them. He was a wonderful man and I will sorely miss those occasions. I am certain he will live on in the hearts and minds of the many people he touched throughout his life and career. My deepest condolences to you. - Posted by: Jaime Wolfe (Co-Worker) on: Apr 24, 2014

  • I'm so very sorry to hear of Kurt's passing. It has been many years now since I worked with him at the Leg, but he always had a ready smile and was always filled with happiness. He was a kind and gentle soul. My condolences to you Monique and your family. - Posted by: Donna Everitt (Former Work Colleague) on: Apr 24, 2014

  • I started working at the Legislative recently and from the beginning Kurt was there to guide, assist, scold and tease. Kurt will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Prayers to the family and to Kurt I'll see you again my friend. - Posted by: Allan Cochrane (friend) on: Apr 24, 2014

  • We are sorry for your loss Monique, we are with you with all our heart and prayers this time of grieving . Accept our sympathies and if you need some help, I am always available. Kurt is in the heaven now with God, too early, but God only can control our life. Jean-Jacques et Rachel - Posted by: Jean-jacques Serceau et rachel (friend) on: Apr 24, 2014

  • I attended cardiac rehab at the Wellness Institute for 4 weeks with Kurt and we shared numerous stories in the short time I knew him. Kurt had that special something that people gravitated to and he certainly made an impression on me in the short time I knew him. Rest easy Kurt. - Posted by: JOHN GIESBRECHT (Attended Cardiac Rehab at Wellness with Kurt) on: Apr 24, 2014

  • I/we are so sorry to hear of Kurt's sudden passing and your devasting loss. Kurt was truly a man with a big heart and kind hearted soul. When I first started working at the Legislative building 10 years ago, Kurt came into my office and welcomed me with open arms and said, "I'm here to take my cousin out for lunch", even though we hadn't seen each other in 20 plus years. I always enjoyed the 'pop by' visits with Kurt and hearing stories about the family. He will be missed by many. - Posted by: Marlies Schlichting (2nd cousin) on: Apr 24, 2014

  • Hi, Monique. I was so very shocked and saddened to hear of Kurt's sudden passing. He was always so kind and thoughtful whenever I saw him here at the Leg. He never failed to ask after my Mother, which was so nice of him. He will truly be missed. You have my deepest sympathy. Jan - Posted by: Jan Fontaine (Co-worker) on: Apr 24, 2014

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