AGATHA WARKENTIN

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AGATHA WARKENTIN Agatha Warkentin died October 13, 2000 peacefully in her sleep at the age of 93 years. She was born June 8, 1907 to Wilhelm and Emilie Dyck (nee Poetker), in Millerowo, Ukraine. Her happy childhood was filled with fruit and flowers, play and plenty, love and laughter. At the age of nine she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour. Two years later, the Bolshevik Revolution shattered her childhood dreams and in 1924 her family immigrated to Canada. Captivated by Canadas beauty and opportunity her heart again filled with joy and expectation. Her natural giftedness and love of children encouraged her in a tenacious pursuit of her calling to become a teacher. She remained a devoted educator all her life in the home with her family, in the church with the ladies auxillary and german school, and in the community at Arran School near Niverville, MB. Her exemplary commitment to her aging parents delayed her marriage to Cornelius Warkentin for nine years until 1936. Together they raised seven children who witnessed her life and chose to follow her faith in God. Focused on bible reading and prayer, Agatha became a devout Christian with a heart full of love. She experienced much joy in giving generously of herself and her resources to her family and everyone whose life she touched. In later years, the losses occasioned by Alzheimers left her in the loving care and outstanding service of the caregivers at Donwood Personal Care Home, where she received almost daily visits from her children. She in turn blessed them with her spirit in unique ways. Predeceased by her husband Cornelius , and son-in-law Cornelius Balzer, she is gratefully and fondly remembered by her children, Elfrieda Balzer, Anita Buller, Emily Goerz, Eleanore Johns, Elizabeth Collins, Neil Warkentin, Esther Ruth Beenken, theirs spouses, 14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MB Missions International. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 17, at 10:00 a.m. at Eastview Community Church, 3500 DeVries. Interment at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be held on Monday, October 16, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Klassen Funeral Chapel, 1897 Henderson Hwy. Arrangements entrusted to Klassen Funeral Chapel; 338-0331.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 16, 2000