ISAAC H. (IKE) WARKENTIN

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ISAAC H. (IKE) WARKENTIN It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ike Warkentin, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. Ike was born in Steinbach on June 10, 1936 to Isaak and Maria (nee Hiebert) Warkentin of New Bothwell, Manitoba. On May 9, 1959 he married Elvira (nee Maschke) and they raised three children: Ted, Robb and Veralyn Warkentin. Ike grew up on the family farm in New Bothwell and at age 19 began work for CT Loewen Sons in Steinbach. On March 13, 1957 he was employed with the Manitoba Power Corporation - now Manitoba Hydro - for which he proudly worked for 36 years until retiring in 1993. Ike and Elvira then became Winter Texans and Ike was able to indulge in his youthful passion for playing and singing gospel, country western music. In 2005 he re-established the Rio Grande Valley Music Festival, which is still going strong every February in south Texas. Also left to mourn is Ike's beloved mom-in-law, Mrs. Aganeta (Oma') Albrecht, sisters Anna Klippenstein (Ed), Helen (Richard) Reimer and Linda (Wes) Kornelsen; daughters-in-law Erica and Lynn, and grandchildren: Andrew, Erin, Nathan, Emma, Bobbi-Jo, Sam; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends from Canada and the United States. Ike was predeceased by his younger brother Dan (with whom he loved to play and sing) in 1980; his eldest brother, Peter (Anne) in 2008; his father-in-law Abram Albrecht (1993) and his parents Isaak (2000) and Maria (1985). We are profoundly grateful for the exceptional care by the doctors, nurses and staff of the 3E Wing at Riverview Health Centre, where Ike spent his last month. If desired, donations may be made in Ike's memory to the charity of your choice. Funeral service will be held Friday, July 16, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at Sargent Avenue Mennonite Church, 926 Garfield Street, with interment to follow in Green Acres Cemetery. Viewing Thursday, July 15 from 7-8 p.m. at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street, Winnipeg. I'll be waiting on the far side banks of Jordan.... Til we meet again, Ike. You will be greatly missed.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 14, 2010