Irvy Warkentin

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IRVY WARKENTIN

Our dear brother and uncle, Irvy Vernon Warkentin was born to Jacob and Catherina (Wiebe) Warkentin on June 21, 1931 at Greenland, Manitoba.

He peacefully slipped away in the wee hours before dawn on February 25, 2015, with his youngest brother Marlin at his bedside. Death was caused by complications of a stroke he suffered a week earlier. We as a family are so thankful for the quiet way the angels took him home.

He reached the age of 83 years.

Uncle Irvy was the 3rd child in a jolly houseful of 11 children. Having a mother who became sick in her early forties he filled in and helped care for his younger siblings. Irvy had a sparkle in his eye and his own brand of humor.

He was baptised on Dec. 20, 1942 becoming a member of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. Recommitting himself to God later on in life made Christian life and the church precious to him once again.

The unique place he filled in life endeared him to many people. To some he was brother, to many Uncle Irvy and a best friend to various ones throughout the different stages of his life. His nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews will miss the special interest he showed in their lives. He was interested in all little people. They brought him special joy.

Irvy shared his father’s love for travel. His traveling companions and the friends he made along the way were held in high regard. Names and addresses were carefully recorded.

Work took him to Alberta and Kansas and then back to Manitoba to farm. He bought a farm in Rosewood and farmed there until purchasing Dad’s farm. Then he settled down on the old home place.

Everywhere he lived, his love for books and reading was evident. There was always lots of reading material around.

Uncle Irvy’s love of horses and horse auctions helped fulfill a dream for many of his nieces and nephews! While caring for his horses one evening he was kicked in the head by a horse and suffered a serious concussion that took years of recovery. Eventually he was back on his farm and able to drive and mealtime would find him headed to his favorite restaurant.

Finally it seemed better for him to live in Steinbach and drive to the old home place at his leisure. So he moved into Stonebridge Villa, then into an apartment in the Maplewood Manor and finally into Room 400. A highlight in his senior years was the excellent care he received at the Manor. He mentioned it often. We, as a family Thank-you.

Those left with fond memories are his brothers and sisters, Eldon & Geraldine of Steinbach, MB;

Irene Penner of Steinbach, MB; Louis & Edith of Pincher Creek, AB; Clifford & Naomi of Rio Verde, Brazil; Doris Penner of Rosenort, MB; Milton of Cartwright, MB; Dewayne & Adeline of Ste. Anne, MB; June & Denton Barkman of Cartwright, MB; Irma & Lewis Giesbrecht of Royalton, NB; Marlin & Kathy of Ste. Anne, MB. And a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, one sister in infancy, three brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, March 2, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Greenland, Manitoba.

Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL
1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in The Carillon on Feb 25, 2015