Elden Warkentin

  • Elden Warkentin
  • Date of Passing: January 15, 2020
  • Born: April 7, 1927

Obituary

Elden Warkentin peacefully passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at Maplewood Manor, Steinbach, MB, at the age of 92 years. His life was rich and rewarding.

Our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather was born to Jacob and Catherina Warkentin on April 7, 1927 at Greenland, Manitoba. He surrendered his heart to the Lord and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on May 2, 1940 by Peter A. Penner. The faith was precious to him until the end.

On April 30, 1950, he was married to Geraldine Quasso by Gerhard Goossen. He cherished her Italian heritage. This was the beginning of 65 happy years together. Mom passed away in July of 2015. Although he was very lonesome, he always said, “But I wouldn’t wish her back. She’s in a better place.”

Their home was blessed with two sons and five daughters. Many employees became lifelong friends and were thought of as family. Family was very important to him. He always knew the exact number of grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and those who were on the way. He was thrilled with each and every new arrival and each one was warmly welcomed.

Dad enjoyed working for Gospel Tract and Bible Society, which was located in the basement of our home until the Tract House was built. This work took him to India and Germany.

After living in Greenland for 28 years, Dad’s adventuresome nature took them to a cattle farm in Saltcoats, Saskatchewan, where he enjoyed making new friends. This was their home for 36 years. Dad was saddened when Mom needed extra care and moved into Lakeside Manor Care Home. He faithfully visited her every day. In October of 2014, our parents moved to Maplewood Manor in Steinbach, Manitoba, where they received excellent care. Dad loved his new home. He expressed appreciation to those who cared for him, visited him, and he always enjoyed the singing.

Left with love and memories are his children: Carol & Dennis Barkman, Swan River, Manitoba; Ethelyn & Myrle Wohlgemuth, Centreville, New Brunswick; Edith & Melvin Penner, Ste. Anne, Manitoba; Patricia & Tony Friesen, Bredenbury, Saskatchewan; Leslie & Cyndy Warkentin, Landmark, Manitoba; Bonnie & Joel Penner, Saltcoats, Saskatchewan; Elden James (Jim) & Christine Warkentin, St. Paul, Alberta; 52 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren, and two on the way. Along with his sisters: Irene Penner, Doris Penner, June & Denton Barkman, and Irma & Lewis Giesbrecht; brothers: Louis Warkentin, Clifford & Naomi, Milton & Cheryle, Dewayne & Adeline, and Marlin & Kathy; sisters-in-law Edith Warkentin and Esther Penner; and brother-in-law Eugene & Lottie Quasso.

He was predeceased by his wife, two granddaughters, one great-grandson, his parents, one brother, two sisters-in-law and six brothers-in-law.

The family wishes to express their thanks to the staff at Maplewood Manor for their excellent care.

Viewing will be held on Sunday, January 19, 2020 at 7:00 p.m., with a devotional to follow, at Bredenbury Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Saltcoats, Saskatchewan.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, January 20, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at Bredenbury Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Saltcoats, Saskatchewan, with viewing at the church prior to the service. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.