Mary Penner, 92

Mary A. Penner, age 92, of Sturgis, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, peacefully Wednesday morning, September 29, 2026, at Park Place Senior Living Center in Fort Wayne.

She was born January 26, 1934 at her family’s home on a farm near Constantine, daughter of the late Ralph and Cora Schroeder.

Mary spent most of her life in the Sturgis area and was a proud graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1952. On September 17, 1960, she married the love of her life, Frederick M. Penner. Together they shared 54 years of marriage before his passing on March 9, 2015.

In 1981, Mary retired from GF Business Equipment in Sturgis following 30 years of dedicated employment. Following her retirement, she enjoyed selling real estate for the next 10 years. Mary and Fred also shared a love of farming, owning and working their farm just outside of Sturgis where they grew and harvested corn and raised cattle.

Mary treasured her husband, her family, and the many friendships she made throughout her life. She enjoyed playing golf and cards, and especially looked forward to watching the Detroit Tigers during spring training. She will be remembered and missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

She is survived by her daughters, Julia (Bob) Penner Baker and Jennifer (Gary) Penner Barlett; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frederick; and her sister, Betty Wuthrich.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 to 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Rosenberg Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 807 E. Chicago Rd. in Sturgis, where funeral services celebrating the life of Mary A. Penner will immediately follow the visitation at 11:00. Pastor Doug Noonkester of the First Baptist Church of Sturgis will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Burr Oak Cemetery in Burr Oak.

We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.