Warkentin, Katherine Duerksen (1896-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Sep 1 p. 8

Birth date: 1896 Oct 9

text of obituary:

MRS. KATHERINE WARKENTIN

Mrs. Katherine (Duerksen) Warkentin was born October 9, 1896, at Buhler, Kans., to Mr. and Mrs. John F. Duerksen. While a young girl she moved with her family to Corn, Okla. There her father was engaged in teaching in the Corn Academy and Bible School, while her mother took care of a large number of students in their home in addition to the family of six sons and one daughter. When she was 19 years old, she experienced the loss of her mother and from that time until her marriage she assumed the responsibility of the home.

At the age of 12 she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior and was received into the Mennonite Brethren Church of Corn, Okla. She enjoyed serving her Lord through the work of the Sunday School and by singing in the church choir.

On August 3, 1919, she was united in holy matrimony at Corn with J. S. Warkentin, in which blessed union they lived together 41 years and nine days. After living at Corn for a brief time, they moved to California. In 1930 they again moved with their family to Premont, Texas. She worked hard and prayed diligently for the spiritual and physical welfare of her children, that they might grow and prosper under the hand of God. The home would ring with the many hymns which she sang when the children were small.

In 1951 she became ill and medical aid was necessary. However, she improved sufficiently so that she was able to go on a trip to the West Coast to visit her daughter in Oregon. This was a highlight on her life and the visits with friends and relatives meant much to her.

Her struggle for health continued and on Dec. 1, 1958, she suddenly became ill and was rushed to the hospital. After two weeks she returned home, but it was soon apparent that she would require constant medical care. On June 17, 1958, she was admitted to the hospital in San Antonio and remained there until Aug. 12, 1960, when she passed on to her rest at the age of 63 years, 10 months, and three days. During her confinement she was visited frequently by the family and friends. Though speech was not possible, she would respond to the singing of hymns, to prayer, and to the quoting of Scripture. The family rejoices that she died trusting in the Lord her Savior and looking in faith for her description and deliverance from the suffering of this life.

Mrs. Warkentin leaves to mourn her departure, her husband, J. S. Warkentin, Premont, Texas, two sons, Dr. Harold J. Warkentin, Dallas, Texas, and Joel D. Warkentin and wife Marjorie of La Paz, Bolivia; three daughters, Mildred and husband Wade D. Allen of Portland, Ore., Marjorie and husband William D. Langridge of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Myrna Jean of Premont; five grandchildren, Keith Allen, Russell and Terry Langridge, and Ruth and Susan Warkentin; four brothers, A. G. Duerksen, Corn, Okla., P. W. Duerksen, Dinuba, Calif., H. M. Duerksen, Denver, Colo., and G. H. Duerksen, Bartlesville, Okla. Funeral services were conducted on Tuesday, Aug. 16, at 4:30 p.m. at the M. B. church, Rev. Lewis H. Boese officiating. Special music was rendered by a quartet composed of Mrs. Lewis Boese, Mrs. Sam Swartz, Sam Swartz and Charles Swartz.

The entire family was at home for the funeral services.