KATHRYN RUTH WARKENTINE

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KATHRYN RUTH WARKENTINE

April 24, 1964 - November 7, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kathryn Warkentine (nee Gilbertson) after a long struggle with ALS. She remained at home until the end of her life, with extraordinary care provided by her family and friends. She was surrounded by her family when she died, and all are heartbroken to lose her. She is survived by her husband Lorne Warkentine and their three children Levi, Tessa and Aaron. A memorial service will be held at Emmanuel Mennonite Church, Winkler Manitoba on November 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

Kathy was born in St. Louis Missouri, on April 24, 1964, to Rev. Leon and Helen Gilbertson. The youngest of three, she loved summers on the farm in the small town of Frontier, Saskatchewan, surrounded by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

After marrying Lorne Warkentine, the love of her life on July 8, 1990, they both began careers in education. Kathy taught for over 25 years and was a much-respected colleague at both Winkler high schools. She enjoyed helping students gain an appreciation for literature and writing.

Kathy and Lorne built a life together on a rural property next to the Burwalde Woods. The family shared in the work at their hobby farm, gardening, caring for a variety of animals and spent many hours xc skiing on the trails at Burwalde.

In March 2023, shortly after her retirement Kathy experienced her first symptoms of ALS. This became a long and arduous process as Kathy’s symptoms progressed, slowly impairing her motor, vocal and breathing abilities. In her final weeks, she enjoyed many visits from family and friends especially her Thursday ladies’ group. On November 7, 2025, surrounded by her family in her beloved home, Kathy was released to the Lord to join her loved ones in Heaven.

Kathy is survived by her husband of 35 years, Lorne, children Levi, Tessa, and Aaron, her father Leon Gilbertson (Camrose, AB), sister Kristine Gilbertson (Camrose, AB), and brother David Gilbertson (Calgary, AB). Kathy is also survived by her mother in-law Mary Warkentine (Morden MB), her sister’s in-law Ella May Warkentine (Morden MB), Carol (Richard) Bergman (Grunthal MB), and her brother’s in-law Randy (Nancy) Warkentine (Osterwick MB) and Kevin (Collen) Warkentine (Osterwick MB) and her many nieces and nephews. Kathy is predeceased by her mother Helen Gilbertson and father in-law Art Warkentine.

Lorne and the family would like to extend their gratitude to Kathy’s palliative team at Boundary Trails Health Centre, the ALS Society of Manitoba, the Motor Neuron Clinic Deer Lodge Centre, Emmanuel Mennonite Church, and all the family and friends that supported Kathy and the family.

If Friends so desire donations may be made to The ALS Society of Manitoba | 2A-1717 Dublin Avenue | Winnipeg, MB | R3H 0H2. For more information, please go to www.alsmb.ca.

Wiebe Funeral Homes, Winkler

in care of arrangements

wiebefuneralhomes.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 15, 2025