NORTH NEWTON — David A. Warkentine went to be with his heavenly family on Nov. 26, 2018. He was born on a farm near Goessel, Kan., on Aug. 31, 1926, 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, Kan. 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, Okla., Kendal (Marjie) Warkentine of Wichita, and Marty Warkentine of Newton; five grandchildren, Jessica Warkentine of Gilmer, Texas, MeLissa Carter and Jeremy Warkentine of Chandler, Okla., Joshua Warkentine of Newton, Jennie (Peter) Wintermote of North Newton; three great-grandchildren; and his sister, Rozella Warhurst of Newton. Other survivors include two step daughters, 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, at the Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton, Kan. A private family interment will take place earlier that morning at Greenwood Cemetery, Newton, Kan. 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.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Broadway Colonial Funeral Home
120 E Broadway Street
Newton, KS 67114
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 4, 2018
