David Warkentine
1926 – 2018
Obituary
David A. Warkentine went to be with his
heavenly family on Nov. 26, 2018.
He was born on Aug. 31, 1926, on a farm
near Goessel to Henry and Katie (Schmidt) Warkentine. Dave enjoyed
life with his two older brothers, Ed and Marvin, and younger sister,
Rozella, on the family farm. During World War II, Dave worked for
area farmers. After he turned 18, he was drafted and enlisted in the
Navy. He served a short time and then returned to work in Peabody,
where he met his future wife, Barbara, a local school teacher.
After marrying Barbara on June 9, 1951,
at Bethel College Mennonite Church, he settled into married life in
Peabody, Newton and North Newton. Three children were born into the
family. Dave worked at Hesston Corporation for over 34 years,
retiring in 1992. At that time, he and Barbara took a
long-anticipated camping trip to Alaska, which was a real highlight
for both of them.
After losing Barbara in 1996, Dave
continued spending time each winter in an RV park in south Texas,
where he met Marilyn Hawk. They were married in 2000 and lived in
Larned, Newton and Great Bend. After Marilyn's passing in 2017, Dave
moved back to North Newton and spent his remaining years renewing old
friendships and making new friends, as well as spending time with his
grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dave is survived by his three children,
Brian (Charlotte) Warkentine of Chandler, Oklahoma, Kendal (Marjie)
Warkentine of Wichita and Marty Warkentine of Newton; five
grandchildren: Jessica Warkentine of Gilmer, Texas, MeLissa Carter
and Jeremy Warkentine of Chandler, Oklahoma, Joshua Warkentine of
Newton and Jennie (Peter) Wintermote of North Newton; three
great-grandchildren; and his sister, Rozella Warhurst of Newton.
Other survivors include two stepdaughters, Marilyn L. Stude of Larned
and Vicki Schmitt of Great Bend and their families; as well as nieces
and nephews.
A memorial service will be at held at
11 a.m. on Saturday (Dec. 8, 2018) at the Bethel College Mennonite
Church in North Newton. A private family interment will take place
earlier that morning at Greenwood Cemetery, Newton.
A memorial has been established with
the Music Committee of Bethel College Mennonite Church. While he was
not a musician himself, Dave found joy and comfort in the music of
the church's bell choir. Contributions may be sent to Broadway
Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, KS 67114.
Condolences may be left at
www.broadwaycolonialfh.com.
Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial
Funeral Home, Newton.