Warkentin, Jacob (1879-1964)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1964 Jan 30 p. 8

Birth date: 1879 Mar 24

text of obituary:

JACOB WARKENTIN

Jacob Warkentin, son of Henry and Margaret Wall Warkentin, was born on March 24, 1879, at Bunker Hill, Kan. Here he attended the day school. On May 7, 1902, he was united in holy matrimony with Lena Braun. This marriage, which was terminated when our mother passed away in 1928, was blessed with eight children. Two of these preceded our father in death.

After living at Fairview, Okla. for a time, our parents moved to Buhler, Kan. where they made their home for a number of years. Later we spent some time at Joes, Colo. as well as Dallas, Oregon. In 1919 we moved to Reedley, Calif. After a few years, we moved to Shafter but soon returned to Reedley where our father spent the rest of his days.

As a young man he realized his lost condition and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. He was baptized upon his confession of faith at Buhler, Kan. on May 20, 1907, and united with the Mennonite Brethren Church. Our parents had many hardships in life. However, father always pointed us to the Lord. He insisted on our church attendance and he was a praying father who trusted the Lord.

His last years were spent alone in a little farm house near Reedley. Here his pastor visited him a number of times and had prayer with him. He rested in the finished work of Christ. About a week ago before his death he was taken to the hospital following a stroke. On Saturday afternoon, Dec. 21, 1963, the Lord called him Home to glory. He reached the age of 85 years and nine months.

Remaining to mourn his passing are his children, Ben Warkentin of Dinuba, Calif., Walter Warkentin of Bakersfield, Calif., Henry Warkentin of San Jose, Calif., Elemeda [sic Elmeda], Mrs. Joe Brutton [sic Brewton] of Fresno, Calif., and Elmer Warkentin of Bakersfield; five daughters-in-law and one son-in-law; 26 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, three brothers, Aaron of Shafter, George of Buhler, Kan., and Daniel of Ogden, Utah; two sisters, Mrs. Katie Kusch of Kingsville, Texas and Mrs. Lizzie Koop of Schafter, Calif.

The memorial service was held Dec. 26 at the Cairns Funeral Home, Reedley, with Rev. Dan Friesen, pastor of the Mennonite Brethren Church, officiating. — The Family.