JULIUS MARTENS

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JULIUS MARTENS February 23, 1926 - September 5, 2014 Julius passed away peacefully on Friday, September 5, 2014 at Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home. Julius will be lovingly remembered by his wife Lillie, daughter Donna and her husband Carl Enns, son Jules and his wife Jennifer Derksen and their three children Dylan, Julia and Avery. He is also survived by his sister Rita and husband Jack Fast; sisters-in-law Mary Lou Martens, Irene Defer, Anne and husband Aron Loewen, Nellie Wiebe and numerous nieces and nephews. Julius was predeceased by his father Henry Martens (1928), his stepfather Henry Defer (1948) and his mother Mary Defer (1991). He was also predeceased by his brothers Jack Martens and wife Pauline, Henry Martens, and Peter Defer; sister Helen and husband Walter Unruh; nephew Ted Fast and niece Brenda Martens. Julius was born on February 23, 1926 in Einlage, South Russia. He was the third son of Henry and Mary Martens. The young family immigrated to Canada in July of 1926, residing in Winnipeg until the death of his father. After his mother's second marriage to Henry Defer, the family lived on farms near Haskett, Otterburne, and Ste. Elizabeth. After his stepfather passed away in 1948, Julius ran the family farm at the young age of 22. In the 1950s he started working at Brett Young seeds during the winter months while continuing farming. In 1969 he left farming and moved to Winnipeg permanently. Later he worked for Maple Leaf Seeds - eventually purchased by Pickseed Canada - where he continued to work as plant manager until his retirement in 1991. Julius was baptized upon his confession of faith on July 9, 1946 by Reverend Nickolia Unruh and accepted as a member of the Lichtenau Mennonite Church in Ste. Elizabeth, Manitoba. In 1970 he transferred his membership to First Mennonite Church, Winnipeg where he became a faithful member. Julius enjoyed sports both as a participant and spectator. He met the love of his life, Lillie Froese, while curling in the First Mennonite Church curling league. They were married on August 15, 1969 at First Mennonite Church. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Donna and Jules. Julius was very proud of his children and spent endless hours involved in their sporting activities. He supported them in all of their endeavors. After his retirement at age 65, Julius enjoyed travelling, golfing, curling and swimming. He managed to stay healthy and active until the age of 80 when his health gradually declined and he was not able to fully participate in the activities he enjoyed. Julius' grandchildren were his pride and joy. He often wished he could live long enough to see them grow up. Special thanks to all the staff at Bethania Personal Care Home that compassionately and lovingly took care of Julius during his stay there. A service commemorating his life will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at First Mennonite Church, 922 Notre Dame Avenue. Viewing prior to the service. Interment will be in Brookside Cemetery. Memorial donations in Julius' memory may be made to Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home, Spiritual Care Fund, 1045 Concordia Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2K 3S7.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 08, 2014