Gretel J. Warkentin

With gratefulness to God for a life well-lived, we announce that Gretel J. Warkentin, much loved mother, grandmother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend went home to her Heavenly Father on August 30, 2026 in Reedley California. She was 94 years old. Gretel was born on May 7, 1932, in Alexanderfeld, Sagradowka Colony, Ukraine, to parents Jacob and Anna (Dyck) Reimer. She was the second of 3 children. Gretel's journey took her from her birthplace in Ukraine to Reedley, California, where she built a life filled with love, family, friends, and purpose. She met Jake Warkentin, truly the love of her life, in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, during a visit to attend her sister, Annie's wedding. Their romance blossomed through letters and visits, and culminated in marriage on December 31, 1955, in Reedley, CA. Together, they shared an adventure-filled partnership for 54 years, moving briefly to Canada before settling permanently in Reedley to raise their family and build their dreams. Her childhood years were disrupted and fear-filled due to religious persecution, her family fleeing their homes, and living as displaced persons throughout the years of World War 2 in Europe. When Gretel was 17, her family finally found religious freedom, peace, and permanence when they were able to immigrate to Reedley, California. Gretel lived her teen and then adult years dedicated to her Lord, Jesus Christ, and to her husband, Jake, and their family. Gretel and Jake were great partners in every aspect of life, with Gretel serving as Jake's steadfast helpmate in both his building contractor business and their farming endeavors. Whether cleaning job sites, or managing the daily operations of the family farm and packing shed, Gretel was frequently hands-on, working side by side with Jake. Her accounting skills, money management. and wise decision-making were invaluable assets to Jake, as together, they built a life. Gretel was a gifted homemaker. She loved being a hostess, and was valued as a cook and baker. Her home was filled with homemade breads, pastries, noodles, and preserves. Her home was a place where friends and relatives from near, and from far, were welcomed with open arms and lots of food. Gretel was a caregiver at heart. Gretel provided compassionate care to her parents throughout their aging years, to her husband during his years of coronary disease, and her sister, Annie, in her later years. Even after Annie's passing, Gretel's caregiving spirit continued in her dedication to her family and friends. Gretel was predeceased by her husband, Jake, her sister Annie Sawatzky, and her beloved parents, Jacob and Anna Reimer. For her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, she leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, hard work, and perseverence. Gretel is survived by her children, Carol (Dennis) Enns, Jim (Karlene) Warkentin, and Cristie (Dave) Connair; her grandchildren, Jeff Enns, Andrew (Courtney) Enns, Kimberly Enns, Jonathan (Jamie) Enns, Joshua Warkentin, and Christopher Connair; and her great-grandchildren, Ezekiel and Phinehas Enns. She is also survived by her brother Jake (JoEllen) Reimer, sisters-in-law Katie Bartel, Mary Quapp, Betty (Kaz) Sznerch, and brother-in-law John (Elaine) Warkentin. A service to celebrate Gretel's life will be held on September 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Dopkin's Reedley Funeral Chapel, located at 2200 S. Reed Ave., Reedley, CA 93654. In honor of Gretel's memory, the family suggests donations be made to Tulare/Kings Counties Youth For Christ. "She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her... Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." Psalm 31:27-30