Eric MARTENS

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MARTENS: Eric “Rick”: It is with great sadness our family announces the passing of a very dear husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather on October 25, 2013 at the age of 82. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Hertha; daughters Karen (John) and Roxanne (Henry), son Rick (Bonnie); grandchildren Reilly, Kelsi, Lauren (Ben), Tara (Alex), Dana, Julianna, Lisa (Adam); great granddaughter Kady; sister Lena, many nieces and nephews, Hertha’s family and dear friends. Eric was predeceased by his parents Rev. Abraham and Helen, his brothers John (Lena) and Abe. Eric was born January 30, 1931 in Eyebrow, Saskatchewan, the second son of the family. Eric attended Crewherne School, near Parkerview, Saskatchewan. Later Eric attended Elim Bible Institute in 1949-50 and was baptized on confession of his faith on June 4, 1950 in Rivers Mennonite Church, Rivers, Manitoba. Eric married Hertha Kroeger on August 2, 1958 at Rivers Mennonite Church. They lived in Brandon, Manitoba where Eric worked for Pepsi-Cola Company. Due to his father’s failing health, they moved to the farm southwest of Rapid City Manitoba in 1963. Here, Eric and Hertha raised their children. Eric farmed two sections of land and raised livestock. He was compassionate and dedicated to his chosen profession. Eric loved farming and all it entailed, from the growing of various grain crops to looking after the livestock. His favorite were his Black Angus cattle, and Eric would often be found in the yard, calling to the herd, which in turn came running to be fed. Eric was an avid sportsman, loved softball, and played shortstop for the Rivers Rockets team for several years. He loved golf and liked to play at the Clear Lake Course, becoming a member of the Riverdale Golf and Country Club in Rivers in later years. Taking the family to Clear Lake for summer vacations were cherished times which included tennis, going for ice cream and long walks by the lake. Extended family would join the Martens family at Clear Lake to play music and sing making these times even richer. Eric sang tenor in a mens quartet and in various choirs for over 50 years. He was much in demand for his high clear tenor voice. Eric also played in a popular and talented family band. There were many weddings, socials and family gatherings where the harmonies rang out and the music continued non-stop. Eric and Hertha loved to spend time in the Southern States for a few weeks in the winter months. In 1994, because of his failing health, Eric and Hertha sold the farm and moved to Rivers, Manitoba. They lived there for twelve years, where Eric was well-known due to the time spent in the coffee shop and his many long walks through town. Eric and Hertha moved to Brandon in 2008, and as Eric’s health continued to deteriorate he needed to be placed in personal care; where he lived from February 2009 until he peacefully passed away, with family by his side. The funeral service was held at Grace Mennonite Church, Wednesday, October 30, 2013 with Pastor Ken Quiring and Rev Abe Krahn officiating. Pallbearers were Rick Martens, John Mosby, Howard Kroeger, Peter Neufeld, Larry Krahn and Don Neufeld. Ushers were Tony Klassen and John Isaak. The pianist was Esther Krahn. During the Service, one of Eric’s favorite songs, “Angel Band” was performed by family members. Interment took place in the Rivers Mennonite Cemetery. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, Unit 4B – 457 9th Street, Brandon, Manitoba. R7A 1K2. In tears we saw you sinking, we watched you fade away,you suffered much in silence, you fought so hard to stay.God saw you getting tired, when living was not to be.He showed His love for you, His child, He whispered, “Come to Me.”He rests in God’s care. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 204-727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 09, 2013