Warkentin, Bernhard M. (1885-1962)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1962 Dec 13 p. 8

Birth date: 1885 Jul 24

text of obituary:

BERNHARD M. WARKENTIN

Bernhard M. Warkentin, son of Peter and Wilhelmina Warkentin, son of Peter and Wilhelmina Warkentin, was born July 24, 1885, at Janzen, Neb. When he was still a young child his parents moved to a farm near Lehigh, Kan. Here he acknowledged that he was a sinner and accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He was baptized upon his confession of faith and united with the Springfield K. M. B. Church.

On Feb. 1, 1911, he was united to Marie Penner in holy matrimony at Enid, Okla. The union, which lasted almost 52 years, was blessed with six sons. One son, Ervin, passed away in infancy.

The first 12 years of married life were spent on a farm at Enid, Okla. Here he was a Sunday school teacher and superintendent. In 1922 the family moved to California and after spending six months in the Reedley vicinity, moved to Orland, their home for the next 22 years. In the Orland church he was active as Sunday school superintendent and deacon. Later we spent five years in Fresno, and for the last 12 years have made our home in Reedley.

The Lord blessed our father with a great desire to read and study the World of God. To us, his sons, he distinguished himself as a praying father who never missed prayer meeting or Sunday services in his church. We believe the fruits of this devoted life are the reason why all five of his sons are devoted to some type of Christian service. Three of them have served as pastors, one is operating a Christian book store, and the fifth is superintendent of a Christian school.

Our father enjoyed comparatively good health, and until a few months ago attended church services regularly. However, he grew weaker and became bedfast for the last few weeks. While a hospital patient the Lord called him to Glory on Monday afternoon, Nov. 5, 1962, about 1:30 p.m. He reached the age of 77 years, three months,and 11 days.

Those who mourn are his widow, Mrs. Marie Warkentin of Reedley, Calif.; five sons and their wives; Elmo of Hillsboro, Kan., Ernest of Seattle,Wash., Waldo of Dinuba, Calif., Harold of Lincoln, Neb., and Melvin of Hillsboro, Kan.; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; one brother,Henry M. Warkentin, Visalia, Calif., many relatives and friends.

The memorial service was held in the Mennonite Brethren Church, Reedley, Calif., on Nov. 9 with Rev. Dan Friesen officiating. — The Family.