Henry D. Warkentin

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HENRY D. WARKENTIN

Henry D. Warkentin was born on January 21, 1929, in Hochfeld, MB, to Diedrich & Ageneta Warkentin. He went to be with his heavenly Father, at 12:45 pm on Wednesday, September 3, 2014.

To cherish his memory, he leaves: his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary, nee Froese; three sons and three daughters and their spouses: Barb (Vic) Froese, Alvie (Will) Martens, Harold (Martha) Warkentin, Herb (Heather) Warkentin, Wanda Warkentin, and Robert (Coralee) Warkentin; 16 grandchildren & their spouses, and 13 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by two sisters: Helen (Bill) Schulz and Nettie (George) Neufeld; two brothers-in-law: Herman (Mary) Froese and Ernest (Rose) Froese; two sisters-in-law: Martha (Abe) Friesen and Ruth (Henry) Spenst.

He was predeceased by two grandsons: J.J. Thiessen and Zachary Warkentin; one brother, Diedrich Warkentin and two sisters-in-law: Tina Warkentin and Anne Warkentin.

Henry was baptized on confession of his faith in 1950 and was a member of the Elim Mennonite Church in Grunthal. His walk with God was very important to him, and a part of all he did. He was ordained as a lay pastor at Elim in 1979 and served as long as he was able. He also acted out his faith, volunteering at Camp Moose Lake, with MCC Handicap Concerns, in Deaf Ministries, later at the MCC Thrift Store, and numerous small acts of kindness and generosity to all he met.

Henry met Mary, the love of his life, his best friend and partner, in the local beet fields. After a four year courtship, they married on June 21, 1952, on Mary’s 21st birthday. They spent the first two years of marriage in Winnipeg, and in 1954 they bought their first small dairy farm in Friedensfeld, MB. To be nearer to their family, friends and church, they purchased a larger dairy farm near Grunthal. Here, they worked together, milking cows, doing field work, expanding their farm, while nurturing and raising their six children. He loved farming and was very proud that his sons carried on after he retired. During many of his farming years, he enjoyed driving the local school bus. He drove until his retirement at age 70.

After retiring from the farm, Henry and Mary purchased a large house on the 216 Hwy near Grunthal. Here they could really enjoy their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Henry took up wood working as a hobby and built countless shelves, pieces of furniture, bird houses and anything else his family requested. His workshop was always filled with saw dust and many projects.

A year ago Henry and Mary moved into Grunthal. He gave away his tools, hammers, nails to his sons and grandsons.

In 2012, Henry’s health issues became more pronounced when he was diagnosed with heart problems. In April of that year he had quadruple bypass surgery. He never regained his full strength, and uncomplainingly, with great patience and grace suffered with Congestive Heart Failure. He could stay at home until the last week of his life. On Monday, August 25th, he went to the Bethesda Hospital. He died peacefully at 12:45 p.m., on Wednesday, September 3, 2014, with Mary and some of his children at his side.

Praise the LORD, the battle is over. He fought the good fight and lived a full life for the LORD. We will see you in Heaven.

The family would like to thank the wonderful home care staff ‘Angels of Mercy’, who helped to prolong his stay at home, as well as all the medical staff we have met along this journey, especially Dr. Gumber.

The viewing was held Sunday, September 7, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 162 Hwy 52 West, Steinbach.

Funeral service was held Monday, September 8, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Elim Mennonite Church, Grunthal, with burial at Grunthal Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MCC, 134 Plaza Dr. Winnipeg, or The Heart & Stroke Foundation.

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

As published in The Carillon on Sep 08, 2014