John A Warkentin

John A. Warkentin, Age 87, of Swanton, passed away on June 17, 2014 at Ebeid Hospice, Sylvania. John lived a full and varied life. He proved that he certainly was part of the “Greatest Generation.” Along with his father, mother, siblings, several other relatives and friends, this Mennonite family walked out of Siberia, forced to flee for their safety and freedom from the oppression of the new Stalin Russia. Very successful farmers, they left everything behind and walked out of Siberia into China to await ship passage out of Harbin, China. John grew up near Pandora, Ohio. After high school, he joined the Merchant Marines and sailed into the fray of World War II, carrying the stuffs of war. He was severely injured when enemy ships sank the freighter he was on. Returning from the war, he met Myrna Ruth Taylor, also just back from service duty. Their life adventure together included successfully raising and racing thoroughbreds. During this time, John worked as a high roofer/steeple repairman. By the time children came, they were living in rural Swanton Township, farming and becoming established as a plumbing contractor. Over the years, John’s company performed plumbing and heating work on many area homes, apartments, motels, schools, churches and businesses. John farmed most of his life along with his trade business. He raised Hereford and Charolais cattle and built a well-respected purebred Berkshire hog business in the 60’s and early 70’s. John garnered many championships raising, showing and selling Berks. John reveled in his children’s involvement in livestock. He was active with the 4H for many years and became a bit of a go-to guy for champion rabbits. John was also known around the area for his passion for Belgian horses and often was seen driving his team around Oak Openings Park and area parades. John loved Ohio State football, having the privilege of driving to and experiencing the infamous “Snow Bowl”. John and Myrna loved cruising and traveling. They were passionate Lake Michigan salmon fishermen for years. Late in life John shared his skills teaching plumbing and heating at Chrysler in Rossford, Ohio. John also manned election polls, serving as captain for many years. Always the optimist, John helped many along the way often housing and employing people in need. John was active in Eagles and American Legion. John deeply treasured the legacy of his family and their story eager to share it and how it impacted him and shaped him into the caring, humble, loving man we knew as Dad, Grampa, Papa John, Captain, Champion, Boss…He was just simply a good man. Surviving are his son, John A. (Kathryn) Warkentin II; daughter, Susan (Robert) Anderson; grandchildren, Anna Anderson, Christopher (Michell) Anderson, Leah (Isaac) Mackey, Paul Anderson, Ryan Warkentin, Aaron Warkentin, Corrin (Kari) Warkentin; great-grandchildren, Parker Warkentin, Nora Warkentin, Aaro Mackey, Adalie Mackey; sister, Agnes Rice and special friend, Kathryn Redding. He was preceded in death by his son, William T. Warkentin; sisters, Helen Hilty, Alice Frey, Lydia Mershman and brother, Jacob Warkentin. Friends and family will be received in the Neville Funeral Home, Southwest Chapel, 7438 Airport Highway, Holland (419-865-8879) Friday, From 2:00 to 8:00 PM, where funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at East Swanton Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the building fund at Faith Lutheran Church, Swanton, Ohio.