Warkentin, Herman H. (1917-1953)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Apr 9 p. 1

Birth date: 1917

text of obituary:

M. B. MISSIONARY TO INDIA KILLED BY FALL INTO WELL

Hillsboro, Kans. — Rev. Herman Warkentin, Mennonite Brethren missionary to India, lost his life in a fall into a well on the mission field, according to word received at the mission headquarters here. Details of the tragedy were not learned immediately.

Rev. Warkentin is survived by his wife, the former Beatrice Koop and six young children.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Apr 16 p. 1

Learn Details of India Missionary's Death

HERMAN H. WARKENTIN FELL EIGHTY FEET TO BOTTOM OF WELL

Hillsboro, Kans. — An eighty foot fall to the bottom of a well which he was attempting to repair resulted in instant death for Herman H. Warkentin, 36, Mennonite brethren missionary to India, according to reports of the tragedy reaching friends here.

Rev. Warkentin, his father Rev. H. K. Warkentin, who was visiting in India, and Indian helpers planned to repair the cylinder at the bottom of the well. The younger Rev. Warkentin agreed to make the descent into the well to do the actual work. After offering prayer, he fastened the safety rope around his waist and stepped onto the rope ladder. Just as he disappeared below the surface, the rope ladder broke, and the resulting jerk also broke the safety rope held by his father and the helpers, letting him fall to his death.

According to the Indian custom, funeral services were held the following morning.

Rev. Warkentin, formerly of Dinuba, Calif., was a graduate of the Bible Institute of Los Angeles and Tabor College. He was married to the former Barbara Koop, who survives with six small children. A sister-in-l;aw, Mrs. Arnold Priebe, is a missionary to Africa.