Warkentin, Annie
Posted Mar 11, 2021 | 10:35 AM
Annie Warkentin (nee Nachtigal), resident of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away peacefully among family on Friday, March 5, 2021, at age 98.
She was born on October 16, 1922, to David and Anna Nachtigal in Baschlytscha, a small Mennonite village in the southern part of the Russian Empire, a region known today as Crimea. Fleeing the Bolshevik revolution, the Nachtigals immigrated to Canada with their little “Nuta” in 1925.
As the eldest child, Annie grew up quickly, caring for those around her and tending to the farm. The Nachtigal family lived in Crowfoot, AB, before moving to Riley, AB, in 1937. In 1944, they moved to Tofield, AB, where Annie met John Warkentin. They married on April 25, 1948, in a double wedding alongside Annie’s sister, Mary.
Annie’s family doubled in 1949 with the unexpected birth of twins, Peter and Anne. Over the next 12 years, she went on to have another five children– Edwin, Lorraine, David, Donald, and Calvin–but mercifully no more twins. Balancing the demands of a young, growing family and the responsibilities of the farm left Annie breathless some days. She worked hard to provide but often yearned to give her children more than what she had.
In 1964, she and John decided to try farming in a new area and moved the family to Goodwin, near DeBolt, AB. After the children had grown and John began working for the Bridge Branch of the Department of Public Works, Annie joined him on the job site. They would stay together in their camper, and Annie worked as a cook, earning her first paycheque. In their retirement, they enjoyed their home on the farm, often hosting large, boisterous family celebrations. In 2012, they left the farm and moved to Grande Prairie.
Throughout her life, Annie drew strength, courage, and comfort from her faith in Jesus Christ. She lived with deep humility, knowing her need for salvation, and with profound gratitude for the love contained in that salvation. This honest humility meant she never expected to find perfect people. Annie loved all she met with sincerity and gentleness. Olive, her great-granddaughter, captured it well: “Gramma-Gramma taught us how to love people.”
Annie led a large, varied family and was known by many names: Mom, Oma, Grandma, Grammy, and Gramma-Gramma. She listened carefully, reluctant to offer advice. She embraced change, even when it was hard. She was not frightened by things she did not understand. She trusted that God’s faithful hand would cover her children throughout the generations, long after she left us. And so it is.
Annie was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, John Warkentin; daughters Anne Warkentin and Lorraine Sambrooke; granddaughter and her husband Aubrey and Wade Balisky; great-granddaughters Audrey Warkentin, Jewel Balisky, and Fleur Balisky; and brother Henry Nachtigal.
Annie is survived by five sons, five daughters-in-law, and one son-in-law: Peter (Sharon), Edwin (Dawn), David (Helena), Donald (Gayleen), and Calvin (Lynette) and Gerald; twenty-one grandchildren; forty-six great-grandchildren; and her sister Mary Schierling.
The family wishes to thank the caregiving staff at Emerald Gardens in Grande Prairie, who helped Annie feel comfortable and supported in her home there.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, March 12, 2021, at Cornwall Cemetery, near Crooked Creek, AB.
Memorial donations may be made to Gideons International Bibles of Canada (PO Box 3619, Guelph, ON, N1H 7A2).
Condolences may be sent by visiting
- Date : 2021-03-05
- Location : Grande Prairie, Alberta