On Tuesday April 1, 2025, God called his son, Gerald Warkentin home to be with members of his family and his beloved wife and friend of 24 years, Noreen Warkentin (nee Ambeault).
Gerald is predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Marie Warkentin, his older sisters, Verna Kein (Albert), Lorraine Toews (Vernon), and his older brother, Bob Loeppky as well as his soul mate, Noreen Warkentin. He leaves to cherish his memory, his “little” sister, Carole Grier (Eugene) of Winnipeg, many nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as Noreen’s entire family including her daughter Kelly (Joseph) Iaconis, grandson Grant (Sheri) Iaconis, and granddaughters Penna (Corey) Edwards and Elizabeth Scott. Gerry was also a special “Ompa” to 5 beautiful great-granddaughters; Sophia, Victoria, Quinn, Fiona and Peyton.
Also, mourning his loss is his family of six children, Rick (Tracy), Darlene (Josh), Lance (Elaine), Dennis (Stephanie), Krysta and Pamela, 7 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.
Gerald was born on October 8, 1942, in Winkler, Manitoba. Life on the farm near Emerson was almost ideal, but even so, at the young age of 16, and at the invitation of his brother, Bob, Gerry went to Sault Ste. Marie to seek his fortune. For most of his life, he worked for Algoma Steel in the Transportation Department. He found his way back to God and the Catholic faith at St. Veronica’s Parish in the Soo where he met his beloved, Noreen Ambeault. Through their dedicated faith, both Gerry and Noreen were valued members of the parish and volunteered as Eucharistic Ministers, readers, choir members and faith leaders.
Gerry became an official member of the Ambeault-Iaconis family in 1998 when he and Noreen, together with family and friends, married in Sault Ste. Marie. He dedicated his life to ensuring that his love and wife, Noreen, was taken care of. Though life didn’t turn out the way they thought with Noreen suffering from a stroke in 2006, Gerry continued to support and care for the woman he called his love.
Early years of their marriage were spent attending Knights of Columbus events where Gerry served as a member for many years and eventually earned the honour of Grand Knight in 2004. They would often travel down to Southern Ontario to visit Noreen’s family, loved camping trips at Blueberry Hill Campground in the summer with Grant, Penna and Elizabeth and enjoyed all the memories made with those who entrusted their care to both Noreen and Gerry through Wee Care, especially the Kertez family.
Gerry was a very talented carpenter and spent a lot of his time in his garage on 5th Avenue making beautiful pieces for family and friends. He was happy with tools in his hands and even more proud when gifting his pieces to those he cared about.
Gerry was a gentle giant who loved when his grandchildren came to visit. Just sitting around catching up was the best way to spend time together. Gerry also had a great love for Nascar and always ensured that on a Sunday afternoon he was close to a T.V. so he could watch his favourite racer, Rusty Wallace.
Gerry’s memory will live in our hearts forever and we are thankful that God placed him in our family. He will be greatly missed but we are comforted knowing that he and Noreen are once again together, riding their bikes towards God’s beautiful sunset.
Family and friends are invited to O’Sullivan Funeral Home on Wednesday April 23, 2025, from 11:30am until the time of the Funeral Service in the chapel at 2:00 pm with Father Eric Pannike officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Payable by cheque or online.
The family would like to thank the staff at Pathways Retirement Home, and Van Daele Convalescent Home for their wonderful care and compassion.
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St. James St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1P7, 705-759-8456).