Managing editor
One look at Ira Penner and you can’t help but notice the twinkle in his eye.
Nearing the beginning of his ninth decade of life, the Marion County native remains active and diligent in contributing to his community.
The retired farmer and his bride of nearly 60 years, Ruth, moved to a modest home on North Roosevelt Street in Marion about 15 years ago, leaving a farm south of Marion.
Modest to a fault, Penner isn’t one to toot his own horn. Talking with him about his activities causes him to be uncomfortable.
“Why do you want to talk about me? I haven’t done anything,” he said.
Oh, but he has.
Penner may not be a doctor or a firefighter, but he is one of those members of a community people can count on.
One of those activities is assisting Marion resident Rex Wilson in collecting aluminum cans for local Girl Scouts troops.
At least once a week, Penner picks up discarded cans from local businesses and sorts through recycled materials at Marion City Shop where residents can discard recyclable items.
When there is a sufficient number to make it worth their trip, Penner helps Wilson load up and take aluminum cans to a recycling facility. The pair collects the money and donates it to the Scouts troops.
Staying active is important to Penner.
Nearly every morning, he can be found sitting at the coffee-drinkers table in Marion Ampride, visiting with friends and acquaintances. The Big Scoop is the place to be for afternoon get-togethers for coffee and maintaining acquaintances.
Born on a farm south of Hillsboro, Penner served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 through 1945. His grandfather, Jacob W. Wiens, was a county commissioner.
Ira and Ruth attend Valley United Methodist Church in Marion.
“I’m the oldest male member of the church,” Ira Penner said with pride.
He also is proud that Ruth was church organist for more than 60 years.
The couple enjoys putting together jigsaw puzzles and watching their favorite programs on T.V.
Penner attributes his long life, and being able to continue to drive and enjoy activities within the community, to just being lucky.
Maintaining a sense of humor doesn’t hurt either.
“A guy once said, ‘If you can’t kid someone, you might as well be dead’,” Penner said.
This day, Penner is wearing a hat that reads, “Ask me about my hat.”
“I want to see how observant people are,” Penner said, asking friends at Ampride if they have noticed anything different.
Every community needs Ira Penners — modest, concerned, and fun to be around.