Obituary: Allen Warkentin

Allen Lee Warkentin was born in Dalhart, Texas, to Karl and Elisabeth Warkentin. The youngest of five siblings, his family moved during the dust bowl and relocated to Reedley, where Allen grew up. He attended Immanuel High School, class of 1950, and then continued his studies at Pacific Bible Institute (now Fresno Pacific University), where he met his future wife, Belva Becker of Shafter/Wasco. They married in 1953 and had some additional adventures (like the Navy '56-'57) before starting a family and landing in Shafter in 1961.

Allen worked for Tops Market as the produce manager for over 25 years. He greeted many long-term customers with a smile and the friendliness he was known for. He finished his career at Nikkel Iron Works in 1998.

In retirement, Allen and Belva loved to travel and cruise with friends. They also loved hosting their children and grandchildren at the Knox cabin at June Lake for a couple of weeks each summer. His other activities included keeping a perfect lawn and beautiful garden, spending many hours in coffee shops with "the guys," weekly Friday breakfast with special friends and volunteering for the Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church, where he was an active member for over 60 years.

Allen is predeceased by his son, Craig (2011). He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Belva Becker Warkentin, daughters Donna (Bob) Stover of Fresno, Edie Warkentin of Bakersfield, daughter-in-law Nancy Warkentin of Dinuba, and three grandchildren.

The memorial service will be held Saturday, Aug. 27, at 11 a.m. at SMBC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to the SMBC Hartland Fund, c/o SMBC, P.O. Box 1538, Shafter, 93263.