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KENNETH NORMAN MARTENS  Obituary pic

KENNETH NORMAN MARTENS

Born: Apr 22, 1943

Date of Passing: Mar 13, 2017

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KENNETH NORMAN MARTENS As a family, we're saddened and heartbroken by the sudden passing of Kenneth Norman Martens, husband, father and Opa. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Louise, of 50 years; son Kevin and wife Patti; grandsons Coleson (19) and John (14); sister Carol (Arie) and two nephews; relatives and innumerable friends. Ken died at 10:50 a.m. on Monday, March 13, 2017 of a massive cerebral hemorrhage, cause unknown. Ken was born in Winnipeg on April 22, 1943. Throughout his life, Ken's first love was his family and friends followed by the world of Sporting Goods, first with his father and grandfather at John Martens Sporting Goods and later Ken Martens Agencies. Ken was happiest with a fishing rod in his hands out on the lake together with Kevin and the many boys. Special times for Ken were memories of his and Louise's cottage and later at Kevin and Patti's at Lake of the Woods. Just last July Ken enjoyed a last tow behind the boat as he waterskied across the Bay. Also special to Ken were times on Winnipeg River with the twins and a fly-in fishing trip to Big Sand. Ken left a legacy of joy. He was capable of unconditional love, always had time for everyone, and would leave one with a happy memory and a smile. Ken and Louise's home has always been open to their many friends and relatives who often showed up at dinner followed by an evening of laughs. We'll all miss the spontaneous parties on their front porch. We would like to acknowledge the love and support of the Fast family who were with Ken at his bedside during the tumultuous last days. Ken had a special soft spot for Louise's family from the first days of their marriage on August 26, 1966. Ken and Louise had a married life to be envied - they were so very much in love. Over the years 'Ken&Louise' has become one word - the adjustment ahead will be heartbreaking. The First Mennonite Church was a second home to Ken and Louise. We would like to thank the congregation for their messages of support with a special thanks to Reverend Kathy Koop. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the nursing staff at Inpatient Unit GB3 at Health Sciences Centre. They were all so very gentle and caring to Ken during his difficult last hours. Funeral service will be held on Monday, March 20, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at First Mennonite Church, 922 Notre Dame Avenue, Winnipeg. Donations may be made to First Mennonite Church Refugee Fund.
Publish Date: Mar 18, 2017

KENNETH NORMAN MARTENS Unexpectedly but peacefully, Kenneth Martens, aged 73, beloved husband of Louise, passed away on Monday, March 13, 2017 at the Health Sciences Centre. Besides his wife, Ken is survived by one son Kevin and wife Patti; grandsons, Coleson and John and many other relatives and friends. Funeral Service will be on Monday, March 20, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at First Mennonite Church, 922 Notre Dame. Complete obituary in Saturday's edition.


Publish Date: Mar 15, 2017

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 18, 2017

Condolences & Memories (10 entries)

  • Thinking of kens family and louse during this difficult time. God be with you all. God bless you and be with you. Love. Edie - Posted by: Edie warner (Friend ) on: Apr 01, 2017

  • Very saddened to hear about Ken's passing. Fern and I have many fond memories of spending time with Ken and Louise at Pye's landing Ken taught both of us about fishing and the outdoors. We spent many hours laughing learning and enjoying life with Ken. What a wonderful man, his smile lit up the room. - Posted by: Fern and Joan Desilets (friends) on: Mar 20, 2017

  • I had known Ken thru my late wife Tracy from Winnipeg and he was always a kind and welcoming man . We have many friends in life but I considered Ken a very special one that I enjoyed spending time with despite our distances. He and his wife Louise always welcomed us into their home and we shared memorable times. One of my favorite things to do in life was to go fishing on the Winnipeg river with Ken. I can 't imagine doing this without Ken. We always had a great time . We will miss him greatly. Our condolences to Louise and family. Jim , Deb , Joelle and family Ottawa Canada. - Posted by: Jim Chevrier (Friend ) on: Mar 20, 2017

  • Dear Louise & family, we just heard of Ken's passing, we are both shocked & saddened by the news. We want to pass on our sincerest condolences. We were very happy to have met & gotten to know you both over the years though your frequent trips to Ottawa. Louise, yourself & Ken were so wonderful together. Myself & Geoff will always remember your hospitality on our trips to Winnipeg & Geoff grateful for fantastic times spent fishing with Ken. I know your heart most be broken, keep his love & all the wonderful memories close. Rose & Geoff - Posted by: Rose & Geoff Hunt (Friends ) on: Mar 19, 2017

  • Such a beautiful tribute to a beautiful man. He was such a great cousin, so full of life & always smiling and such a positive soul. I ( Lisa ) will miss him ever so deeply. Homer also has known him for over 35 years and when Ken and Uncle Johnnie and Homer got together, they had many stories to share. Ken, our angel, is now in Paradise with many other angels, like Aunty Vi Uncle Johnnie and so many others..... Deepest Sympathy to Louise, Kevin and Patti and boys. We Love you. Lovingly, Homer & Lisa and Family - Posted by: Homer & Lisa Pitts (Cousin) on: Mar 18, 2017

  • Dear Louise and family, so sorry to hear of Ken's passing. He was such a ray of sunshine. - Posted by: Bernice and John Winter (Friends) on: Mar 18, 2017

  • My deepest condolences on the passing of Ken,It was an honor and privilege to have worked and known ken for all these years.He spoke of all his family often and I got to know you all in that way.We would share story's of fishing and we wished we could of hooked up on lotw for a weekend.Ken had a great life and will be remembered always.Know that he loved and was loved !! It dos'nt get better then that.All my love and respect. Grant - Posted by: Grant Bielefeld (co-worker at bell outdoors) on: Mar 17, 2017

  • Ken was always very easy to talk to as a friend , we always talked about our old cars and children and grandchildren before we talked business. He was one of the last sales rep that liked to do deals the old way {face to face}. Ken will be missed in the fishing and hunting industry. - Posted by: Brian Braden (freind) on: Mar 15, 2017

  • Louise My sincere sympathies to you and your family. May your beautiful memories, comfort you at this very difficult time. Take Care Lorena Wall - Posted by: Lorena Wall (Friend) on: Mar 15, 2017

  • Always confident that you were valuable, ever aware of true life values, Ken was a fine man and devoted to his family. After prolonged periods of not seeing each other, he could evoke a memory or emotion purely from good will and without judgment. I will miss the rare opportunity of a chance encounter because Ken always left me feeling happy to have seen him. - Posted by: hart mallin (friend) on: Mar 15, 2017

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