Lulu Warkentin

Lulu Mora Warkentin, 93, lifelong resident of West Chicago, died
Monday, December 29, 2008. She was born on March 12, 1915 in
West Chicago to Irven and Lela Brown. In 1970 she was united in marriage to the Rev. J. M. Warkentin and they enjoyed 28 years
together.

After graduation from WCCHS she went to business school. In 1944 after several years of secretarial experience she went to work as a secretary at George J. Ball Incorporated. She retired in 1980 as Director of Publicity. In the course of her time at Ball's she worked with such men as "Uncle Frank" Balzhiser, Arne Knutsson and Phil Jones which involved her in proof reading, editing and eventually putting together the
Ball Seed Catalogue.

During her 36 year career Mrs. Warkentin served 2 years as Treasurer of the Garden Writers Association of American and 12 years as Secretary retiring from that position in 1980 when she also retired from Ball. Upon her retirement, Mrs. Warkentin became only the eighth individual to receive an honorary life membership in the GWAA, the highest honor which the association bestows. James Underwood Crockett of "Victory Garden" fame was a part of the elite group.

Lulu Warkentin was a long-time active member of the First Con-gregational Church of West Chicago, serving many years as treasurer and as church secretary. The Congregation conferred the honor of Life Deacon on her in 1978. An avid quilter, she especially enjoyed her association with the Church quilting
Group. She enjoyed travel and history, read widely, bowled recreationally for many years, and took pleasure in quietly
helping people as she was able.

Lulu is survived by her sister, Ardith Vierup, of West Chicago,
her stepchildren, the Rev. Welton Warkentin of West Chicago,
Rose Marie Warkentin of Media, Pennsylvania; Helen Kay Bruce
(Mrs. Dennis) of Westlake, Ohio; and Lois Ann Murphy (Mrs. Eugene) of Chicago, and numerous nieces, nephews, and
grandchildren.

Mrs. Warkentin was preceded in death by her parents, husband
Rev. J. M. Warkentin in 1998, three brothers: Verlin, Harold, and
Robert Brown and five sisters: Hazel Kraus, Zelda Wiesbrock, Mary Wahmhoff, Helen Burkitt; Grace McEwan.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2009 at Norris-Walen-Segert Funeral Home, 132 Fremont Street, West Chicago at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Denise Griebler Officiating. Visitation 1:00 p.m. until time of memorial service. Contributions in Lulu's memory can be made to St. Michael's UCC, 400 W. Washington St., West Chicago, IL 60185; First Congregational Church, 525 N. Neltnor Blvd. West Chicago, IL 60185; CNS Hospice, 690 E. North Ave. #100, Carol Stream, IL 60188 or CDH Home Care Physicians, 1800 N. Main St, Wheaton, IL 60187. 630-231-0060 or www.norriswalensegertfh.com