Warkentin, Mary Thiesen (1892-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Aug 28 p. 8

Birth date: 1892 Sep 6

text of obituary:

MRS. MARY WARKENTIN

Mary Warkentin, wife of Peter K. Warkentin, was born Sept. 6, 1892, at Jansen, Neb. daughter of Rev. and Mrs. John H. Thiesen, and fell asleep in Jesus August 9, 1958, at 10:00 p. m. after a long period of illness. She reached the age of 65 years, 11 months, and three days.

She received her education in the schools of her day, coming to California with her parents in the year 1907. She resided near or in Reedley, Calif. until her home going to be forever with her Lord Jesus.

At the age of 15 years she was convicted of her lost condition and the moment came when she received the Lord Jesus Christ into her heart by faith as her personal Redeemer and Lord, and abided in this faith to the end of her life. She was baptized March 15, 1908, and received into the fellowship of the M. B. Church, and remained a faithful member.

On June 14, 1914, she was married to Peter K. Warkentin and we sojourned together for over 44 years.

The Lord blessed us with three sons, Walter, Ernest, and Joe, and three daughters, Leona Anne, Esther Mary, and Dorothy Jane.

Some years ago our son Joe departed suddenly to be with Christ as a result of an accident. This caused mother and the family great sorrow, but now she is with him in Heaven.

Mother was a singing Christian in her home as long as she was able to sing, which made a pleasant home life. Her favorite song was “Constantly Abiding.”

Mother's health was good for a number of years, but sickness increased from time to time over the years. At times her condition became very critical, so that she hovered between life and death, but a praying church and family were heard and God spared her life for service to God and family and church. She gave testimony to His grace in all situations in life. She never once was troubled with doubt in God and His Word as she abided in a living faith in her living Lord.

Following the call and ordination of her husband into the deaconship of the church, she served as his helper. This was a responsible calling and she served gladly and faithfully as she was able.

Those of her family who survive are her husband, Peter K. Warkentin; sons Walter and Ernest and families of Dinuba; daughters, Mrs. Leona Anne Klassen and family of San Jose, Mrs. Esther Mary Englund and family of Los Angeles, and Mrs. Dorothy Jane Ratzlaff and family of Reedley; 10 grandchildren; four brothers, Philip, Peter, John, and Henry Thiesen and their families of the Reedley-Dinuba area; and many other relatives and friends.

We sorrow, yet not as those who have no hope for we shall meet her again in Heaven.

The memorial service was conducted in the Reedley M. B. Church in the Reedley M. B. Church with Rev. Dan Friesen, Rev. G. B. Huebert and Rev. John Richert, officiating. — Peter K. Warkentin and Family.