Martens, Abraham Herman (1921-2003)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2003 Mar 21 p. 29

Birth date: 1921 Apr 1

text of obituary:

ABRAHAM HERMAN MARTENS

Abraham Herman Martens passed away Jan. 21. He was born in Kuterla, Neu Samara, Russia, Apr. 1, 1921. When he was 5, the family left Russia; due to medical problems, they spent time in England and Mexico before coming to Canada. They settled in Tofield, Alta. He helped on the family farm. He spent a year at Bible school. He was baptized. He worked at Stauffer farm and drove truck for Rogers Trucking. He bought his own Rogers truck. He married Katherine Klassen in Lindbrook MB Church Oct. 22, 1941. After trucking and crop failure they moved to Yarrow, B.C. He continued driving truck for Vedder Transport for 28 years, retiring in 1988. They served in catering at the church and as deacons. Abe served on various church committees and on private school boards. He sang in choirs, male choirs and the Bakerview Fellowship Choir. He had open heart surgery in 1980 but regained his health. He is mourned by Katherine; sons Walter, Ken and Ron; daughters, Joyce Regehr and Irene Smith; 22 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 1 brother; 3 sisters. The funeral was Jan. 28 in Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C., with Rudie Willms and Henry Thiessen ministering.