Arthur Ralph Penner

For those that are unable to attend the Family invites you to watch the service to honour Art's Life. Please scroll below the obituary for the link. 

Arthur Ralph Penner

April 29, 1954 - August 29, 2026

Arthur Ralph Penner was born to Jacob and Mary Penner of Justice MB on April 29, 1954. His home all his life was the family farm near Justice.

From the beginning of his life, Art’s parents took him to church at Justice Mennonite Brethren Church where he learned about God, the Bible, accepting Jesus’ gift of forgiveness and how to live life God‘s way. He committed his life to following Jesus and was baptized.

A highlight for Art was when his parents took the family to visit his mom’s family in Ontario every summer where they enjoyed time with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Art started school at Norman School . Even though he didn’t speak English when he started school, he did well. He attended Justice School , then Forrest Elementary School . He graduated from Elton Collegiate in 1972. After graduation, Art went to Winkler Bible Institute for a year where he made lifelong friends.

Art was a trucker for a few years before starting farming full-time. Art and his brother, Paul, helped their dad on the family farm when they were young, then their dad helped them start their own farming operation.

Art enjoyed music. As a child, he took violin lessons. Later he taught himself how to play banjo and guitar. He sang in the church choir and enjoyed singing as part of quartets.

As a child, Art liked skating and playing hockey. He played school sports such as basketball and track and field. As Art grew up, he continued to play hockey and community ball. He did motorcycle trips and winter holidays with his friends.

Art rode horseback and enjoyed doing some roping with his friends in Boissevain.

Art married Carla Brown on November 9, 1996. Art always loved being around kids and was so happy to welcome their son Nolan in 2001 and their daughter Randi in 2006. They enjoyed life on the farm and family trips together. Art was always involved and supportive of his children’s activities.

Art served on the Elton Municipal Council as a councilor and Deputy Reeve from 1989-2010.

Art had grown up with cows on the farm and Carla brought cows back to the farm as well as horses. Eventually, Carla sold the cattle and focused on her horse breeding operation. Art always helped Carla with the livestock.

Art and Paul farmed together for 50 years. In recent years, Paul’s son, Ryan, joined the farming operation.

Art passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 29, 2026 .

Art is predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Mary Penner, his parents-in-law Lyall and Gert Brown as well as many aunts and uncles and some cousins.

Art is survived by his loving wife, Carla, son Nolan, and daughter Randi. Also left to mourn his passing are his brother Paul (Shelley), their children Ryan (Kaitlyn) Penner, Jaclyn (Ryan) Suderman, and Christa (Simi) Falaye; his sister Louise (Steve) Klippenstein; sister-in-law Heather (Larry) Fast; great-nephews and nieces Bentley, Miles and Cheyenne Penner; Sadie, Mia and Olive Suderman; Ada and Elijah Falaye as well as many relatives and friends.

A public viewing will take place on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 from 9:30-10:30am at Memories Chapel, 330-18th Street North, Brandon, MB.

Interment will follow at 11:00am at the Sparling Cemetery near Justice, MB.

Funeral service will be held at McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church, 635 McDiarmid Dr, Brandon, MB at 2:00pm, Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vIZ3M-bou0