Warkentin, John B. (1896-1962)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1962 Aug 23 p. 8

Birth date: 1896 Jul 11

text of obituary:

JOHN B. WARKENTIN

John B. Warkentin was born to Henry H. and Justina Bushman Warkentin on July 11, 1896, at Albuquerque, N. M., and passed from this life to meet his Lord Jesus in glory on Thursday, Aug. 2, 1962, while at work. He reached the age of 66 years and 22 days.

He came with his parents to Durham, Kan., later moved to Corn, Okla., and on May 2, 1911, he came with his parents to Reedley, Calif., where he lived on a ranch and continued his education at the Windsor public school.

Later he farmed for some years and then moved to Reedley where he entered the home construction business, which he continued until his departure.

He was married to Ida Janzen on Oct. 8, 1916. To this union were born two sons and two daughters. The oldest son, Alvin, preceded him in death at the age of 19 in an automobile accident.

He was saved while attending revival services in the Reedley M. B. church when he was still young, baptized and received into the fellowship of the church, to which he has remained true. His wife, Ida, was ill for many years and he cared to her until death on March 3, 1959.

He found another companion in Mrs. Marie Entz Just, and they were married July 23, 1959.

As a building contractor he was active in the planning and construction of the new Reedley M. B. Church, where he spent seven years as a trustee.

He had great concern for the spiritual welfare of his children and their families and offered many prayers on their behalf.

Those who mourn his sudden departure are his widow, Marie; a son, Vernon and wife Doris of Reedley; two daughters, Roselyn Goertzen and husband Eddie of San Jose, Betty Bush and husband Tony of Golden, Colo., and four grandchildren; children of his second marriage, Irvin and Mary Entz of Reedley, Ethel and Jack Klassen of Tule Lake, Bernice and Bennie Friesen of Fresno, and eight grandchldren; one sister, Mrs. George B. Huebert of Reedley; two brothers, George of Reedley, and Henry of Bakersfield and a host of relatives and friends.

The memorial service was held in the Reedley Mennonite brethren Church with Rev. Henry L. Janzen and Rev. H. R. Wiens officiating. — The Family.