JOHN MARTENS

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JOHN MARTENS August 24, 1923 - June 12, 2017 John Martens passed away peacefully at home on June 12, 2017 at the age of 93. Our dear brother and uncle lived on the family farm near Sanford, Manitoba most of his life. He will be remembered by his siblings, Susan Froese, Helen Martens, Peter Martens and Anne and Ernie Braun. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Anna Martens and his brother William Martens. John was born in Russia and in 1929 he immigrated to Canada with his family. They settled in the Sanford area, where they lived and eventually farmed. John was both athletic and musical. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing hockey and baseball in the Sanford community. He usually played shortstop or fielder because he was known for his good throwing arm. John had a strong bass singing voice and for many years he sang in various church and school choirs. He also served as song leader at the Springstein Mennonite Church, where he was a member for most of his life. John was often asked to perform solos and recently shared how much he enjoyed being able to sing. As a farmer, he found his passion in working with steel. He enjoyed inventing, welding and fabricating. His skill eventually grew into a business called JEM Industries, which manufactured liquid fertilizer caddies. John built much of his own farm equipment, which he used until his retirement. If someone had a challenging welding repair, he was the guy to call. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 21 at 2:00 p.m. at the Springstein Mennonite Church, Springstein, Manitoba. Private family interment in Springstein Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Canadian Foods Grain Bank.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 17, 2017