Warkentin, Katherine (1900-1990)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 1990 Feb 9 P. 31

Birth date: 1990

text of obituary:

Katherine Warkintin

Katherine Warkentin of Winnipeg passed away Jan. 9. She was born Oct. 26, 1900 to Cornelius H. and Aganeta Warkentin in Waldheim, Molotschna, Russia. Her father was a merchant and her mother helped establish a hospital. She attended Waldheim primary and Gnadenfeld girls' school. During the anarchy following the Russian revolution, she committed her life to the Lord. On May 21, 1923 she was baptized and accepted into the MB church by 'Gerhard Unruh. Later that year she immigrated to Canada with her sister Mary and brother Cornelius. Her parents and two other children were in the U.S., but they were reunited in 1925 and moved to Winnipeg. She helped her father run a grocery store and a rooming house. After World War II, she lived with her mother, brother and sister Martha. She worked in the garment industry and at the children's hospital, where she lavished loving concern on the patients. After Martha died in 1987, she moved to Bethania Home. She was fiercely loyal to the values she cherished. She loved vocal music but insisted that all be done correctly and well. She had a great fondness for the German language and was concerned that it not be lost. She also carried the scars and burdens of her early years. She had been known for her quick temper, but a stroke left her at peace, gentle and loving. She was a member of South End (now Central) MB Church from its beginnings. Her low contralto voice was a mainstay of its choir, and she was active in ladies' missionary circle. The last of her generation, she is survived by 21 nieces and nephews.