ISAAK K. (KAMPEN) WARKENTIN

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ISAAK K. (KAMPEN) WARKENTIN Isaak Warkentin was born to Isaak and Maria (nee von Kampen) Warkentin on July 28, 1908 in the village of Eichenfeld, Ukraine. He was the fifth of seven children. Dads parental heritage was one of established entrepreneurs. The advantage of family affluence helped create a memorable childhood and he remembered the extended family influence very positively. But these times were but a vapour! As the political forces under the Soviet Communist regime gained in dominance, the devastating realities struck hard. Dad survived the October 26, 1919 massacre when bandits lead by the infamous Nester Machno murdered 75 people, including dads father, older brother, all uncles and one aunt. In 1924, dads mother at the age of 44, with four surviving children in ages of 9, 11, 14 and 17 immigrated to Canada, arriving in Steinbach, Manitoba in August of that year. For the first two years the family lived in the Chortitz (now Randolph) area. For five years, beginning at the age of 16, Dad laboured as a hired hand on a farm in south western Manitoba. On May 28, 1929 at Pentecost, he was baptized upon confession of his faith by Bishop Martin Friesen and became a member of the Chortitzer Mennonite Church. In 1927, he met and fell in love with Maria Hiebert of Niverville, Manitoba. After a two year courtship, they were married on July 2, 1929. For the first two years they lived with his parents (his mother having re-married in 1927 to a farmer in the Greenland, Manitoba area). Then, mom and dad moved to their own farm in the New Bothwell area, where they farmed for 44 years. Dad and Mom moved to Steinbach in 1975 to enjoy their retirement years. They were blessed with eight children. Dad was pre-deceased by his loving wife Maria in 1985 and by three children; Maria at the age of four months, Erdman in infancy, and Erdmans twin brother, Daniel, in 1980 at the age of 39 years; as well as his parents Isaak J. and Maria Warkentin, brother John, and sisters Maria Doerksen and Helen Toews. On May 10, 2000 at 11:25 p.m., at peace with his Lord, Dad was called to his heavenly home. He was 91 years, 9 months and 12 days years of age. And so we acknowledge that we are the poorer for passing, but the richer for having known him. Left to cherish his life and memories are: three daughters and two sons; daughter Anna and Ed Klippenstein, Niverville, Helen and Richard Reimer, Dallas, Texas; Linda and Wes Kornelsen, Steinbach; Peter and Ann Warkentin, Winnipeg; Ike and Elvira Warkentin of West. St. Paul, 16 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren and brother Daniel Warkentin, Steinbach. To God be the honour and glory for His love and mercy towards us! If death should beckon me with outstretched hand, and whisper softly of an unknown land, I shall not be afraid to go. I take deaths hand without a fear, for God who safely brought me here, will also take me safely back, and who knows all the things I lack, He will not let me go alone, into the valley thats unknown, so I repent and take deaths hand, and journey to the Promised Land. Rest in Peace Dad/Opa/Great Grand Opa. We love you and see you soon! The funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 13 at 10:00 a.m. in the Steinbach Mennonite Church, 345 Loewen Blvd., Steinbach, MB with Rev. Dan Warkentin officiating. Interment will take place in the Memorial Cemetery, Steinbach, MB. Viewing will take place on Friday, May 12 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. with a devotional to follow at the Steinbach Mennonite Church, 345 Loewen Blvd., Steinbach, MB and prior to the service. Should friends so desire, Memorial Donations may be made to the Gideon Memorial Bible Plan, c/o Box 248, Steinbach, MB R0A 2A0. The family would like to thank Dr. Thiessen and the wonderful staff at the Bethesda Hospital and the Re-hab Centre, Steinbach, MB for their excellent care they provided to our father. Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB. Phone 1-888-454-1030.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 12, 2000