Abraham K. Martens

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ABRAHAM K. MARTENS

Dad was born at the family home in Tache municipality on April 7, 1929. He was the second of 12 children born to Peter and Helena Martens. At 14 years of age, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Saviour at an evangelistic crusade with Ben D. Reimer and Archie Penner and was baptized on the profession of his faith.

He grew up working on the family farm in Landmark and in the saw mill in Mafeking, MB. On May 31st, 1952, he married Norma Reimer also of Landmark. Five years later, they moved to Kola, MB to begin land clearing and farming. Over the years five children were born to them. Dad continued farming and doing contract work in northern Manitoba till 1974 after which he invested in various business ventures including Kola Feed Service. He was active in the Kola EMC church serving many years as treasurer and deacon till he was in his late 60’s. All his life Dad was involved in different kinds of sports, his favorites being golf, curling and bowling. He also enjoyed playing table games with anyone who was willing to compete with him.

His wife Norma passed away in Nov. 1997 and two years later he married Frieda Derksen from Didsbury, AB. They lived in Didsbury for eight years until Frieda’s death, after which he moved back to Kola. Three years later, he married Betty Siemens from Kleefeld where they lived till he passed away.

In approximately 2004, dad was diagnosed with chronic leukemia which gradually caused his health to deteriorate over the past half year. On April 11th, Dad had his final bone marrow test which indicated that he had only a few weeks left to live. Dad was hospitalized on April 15 and went to be with the Lord a week later on April 22.

We as a family would like to thank the Doctors and nursing staff at the Steinbach Bethesda Hospital for their loving care of our father during his short stay.

Dad is survived by his daughters: Joanne and Eleanor (Rey Plett); his sons: Gerald (Elly), Gordon (Lynn) and Les (Jan); and their families, his wife Betty, her six children and their families, as well as four Derksen step-children with their families.

Viewing will be held Thursday, April 24, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. with devotional to follow, at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB. A viewing will also be held at the church prior to the service.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Kola Evangelical Mennonite Church, Kola, MB, with burial to follow at the church cemetery.

If friends so desire, donations in memory of Abe may be made to Evangelical Mennonite Conference Missions; 440 Main St.; Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5.

Arrangements by
BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL
1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in The Carillon on Apr 23, 2014