Alvin Warkentine

Obituary

Obituary for Alvin Lesley Warkentine

Alvin Lesley Warkentine was born in Liberal, Kansas to Mary (Boese) and Herman Warkentine, one of three children. The family moved to Shafter when Al was 10 years old. He graduated from Wasco High School mid-term 1944 and entered the US Army where he served in the European Conflict during World War II. He was discharged in 1946 to the active reserve. To the dismay of all the single girls around Al met and married Doris Lee Rutherford on September 14 of that same year. Before returning to active service Al and Doris had a son, Larry and a daughter, Jana. Three months after Jana was born, Al was called to service in Korea. After his return he joined Al and Mary Movsesian at Western Furniture eventually purchasing the store. Al and Doris completed their family with their daughter, Lynne. Al turned out to be an excellent businessman. He was an active member of the Masonic lodge, 20/30, Elks, VFW and supported the Wasco Rose Festival with numerous floats. Al retired in 1990 turning the business over to his son, Larry. Larry owned and operated Western Furniture until his untimely death in 2002. Al and Doris loved to travel during their lifetime, visiting such places as Malta, the Caribbean, Brazil, Germany, Monaco and the Panama Canal. They traveled up and down the East and West coast. Finally purchasing a home in Cayucos, Ca where they hosted friends and family. Al is survived by his wife of 67 years Doris, daughter, Jana and Cliff Howe of Thompson Falls, MT, daughter, Lynne and Mike Florence of Bakersfield and grandchildren, Chris and Sarah Florence and Katie Warkentine. He was preceded in death by his son, Larry, his parents and 2 siblings, Virgil and Thelma Neufeld.A graveside service will be held at Wasco Memorial Park on October 17, 2014 at 11:00AM. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Wasco Community Scholarship Fund (WCSA) in honor of Al Warkentine, PO box 7, Wasco, CA 93280