Herbert Victor Penner passed away on February 19, 2026, in Glasgow, Montana. Herb was born August 6, 1927, to Henry and Mary (Lentzner) Penner in Anaheim, California. The family later moved to Larslan, Montana, to pursue farming. Herb graduated from Glasgow High School in 1945, then went on to attend Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas. He transferred to the University of Montana in Missoula where he finished his college career, graduating in 1951 with a degree in Business Administration.
Herb worked for International Harvester in Billings for a year, then came home to help his father with farming. Herb had an interesting and busy lifestyle as he also began another career in Cyprus, California doing taxes for a number of wealthy clients during the tax season, then returning to Larslan, Montana to farm the rest of the year. He enjoyed spending time with his sister, Clara Unruh, and her husband and niece and nephews who lived near him in California. It was while he was in Cyprus, California that he met his beloved Verna, and they were married there on January 19, 1974. Herb and Verna continued to split their time between southern California and Larslan, Montana, until eventually retiring in Glasgow, Montana, for their later years.
They were active members of the Larslan Mennonite Brethren Church for many years, then the Lustre MB Church, and enjoyed attending the Glasgow Evangelical Church during their final years in Glasgow. Herb was a kind man, always ready with a polite greeting and a friendly smile. He was a gentleman by every definition, a businessman, and a farmer. Herb enjoyed cars and working on them, and took great care to ensure his personal driving car was always clean and polished. At one point he restored a Harley Davidson vintage motorcycle that he donated to a museum and eventually sold. Herb was a loving and loyal husband to Verna for all of their 49 years together until her passing in 2023. He was a man of faith that greatly valued a relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Herb was preceded in death by his wife, Verna, and two sisters: Clara Unruh and Lola Pyle. He will be missed by all who knew him, including his nieces and nephews, a stepdaughter, Jerie Keil (William) and family of Utah, and a stepson, Ronald Sachs of California.
Burial has taken place at the Highland Cemetery in Glasgow, Montana. A memorial service will be held at a later date this summer. Online condolences may be left at bellmortuarymt.com.