John Warkentin

John Warkentin was born on July 6, 1943, the fourth child of David and Maria (Neufeld) Warkentin of Altona. He was predeceased by his parents, two brothers, numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, and one granddaughter. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Betty, sons Ken (Dana), Rob (Bonnie) and Bryan (Michelle), six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and his sister Kathy, and many nieces and nephews.

John grew up in Rosenfeld where he met Betty and married her in 1962, after having been baptized upon profession of his faith. He started work for the provincial government in 1961 and retired in 1998. He and Betty also worked together as custodians for the Rosenfeld school for several years.

In 1994, John had a (near) brush with death when he had an acute attack of pancreatitis. The Lord used this time in John’s life to deepen his faith and draw him closer to Himself.

After John retired from surveying, he worked for Friesen's part-time for ten more years, until he and Betty retired for the last time. They took the opportunity to travel with good friends, and saw many beautiful places.

John was a man of many interests: collecting stamps, coins and hockey cards, flying RC airplanes, taking courses, biking around town and to the coffee shop, and most notably, woodworking. In his later years he produced many pieces of art with his scroll saw, but the projects dearest to his heart were the hundreds of name puzzles and Jesus in Your Heart puzzles he made for children.

John’s health began to decline a few years before his death. He spent his final months in the Altona Hospital and Eastview Personal Care home, where he was known for his gentle nature and sense of humour; he remained kind and considerate to the very end. John left this world resting and at peace, passing into the next in the arms of his trusted Saviour.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday February 20, 2024 at the Altona EMMC at 11:00 a.m. Viewing will be on Monday February 19, from 1:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Wiebe Funeral Home Altona and at the church prior to the service. 

Donations in memory of John can be made to Palliative Care Altona.

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