Warkentin, Jacob John (1909-2003)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2003 May 2 p. 29

Birth date: 1909 Feb 1

text of obituary:

JACOB JOHN WARKENTIN

Jacob John Warkentin died Jan. 20 in Abbotsford, B.C. He was born Feb. 1, 1909 in Sagradovka, south Russia to Johann and Elizabeth Warkentin. During the revolution, his grandfather, father, 6 brothers and 1 sister died of typhus and other diseases. His mother and the remaining 2 sons immigrated to Canada. At age 16, he started to learn English in grade 1, but because he was needed on the farm, stayed only 6 months. At age 14 Jacob accepted Christ in Russia; he was baptized June 17, 1927 in Bergthal, Man. He married Annie Siemens Oct. 8, 1932 in Gem, Alta. They were charter members of Gem MB Church. In 1943 they moved to a farm in Aldergrove, B.C. and became charter members of Aldergrove MB (now Ross Road Community) Church. He drove teachers to outreach Sunday school in Brookswood and collected children for vacation Bible school. He and Annie were ordained as deacons. He volunteered to help the needy. After 15 years, they moved to Clearbrook and joined Clearbrook MB Church. Here they served as deacons and sang in choirs. He loved music and the family often sang together. He was respected and trusted by neighbours. He taught his children to love God and value time. He cared for Annie through many illnesses. In 1997 they moved to Tabor Home, Abbotsford. Predeceased by Annie, daughter Kay, 1 great-grandchild and all his siblings, he is mourned by children Martha Pauls, Lily Jantz, Albert, Alvin and Hilda Martin; grandchildren; great-grandchildren. The funeral was Jan. 24 in Clearbrook MB Church with Heinz Ratzlaff and Walter Wiens ministering.