Martins, Gerhard M. (1872-1951)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1951 Sep 6 p. 9

Birth date: 1872 Jun 16

text of obituary:

GERHARD M. MARTINS

Gerhard M. Martins, husband, father and grandfather was born June 16, 1872, in South Russia; died August 16, 1951, at 7:15 a. m. at the age of 79 years and two months.

In 1876 at the age of four years he with his parents, Gerhard and Elisabeth Martins, migrated to America, settling on a farm near Buhler, Reno county, Kans. where he grew to manhood. His parents being poor, he worked as a hired hand for other people most of the time in his early years.

He was convicted of his lost condition and converted at the age of 25 years. On Jan. 12, 1898, he was baptized, uniting with the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, to which he remained a faithful member to the end.

On Feb. 12, 1898 he joined in marriage with Mary Classen, his now deeply bereaved companion with whom he shared joys and sorrows a little over 53 years. To this union 11 children were born, five sons and six daughters. The first year and six months they lived with her parents, then moved on a farm northwest of Inman, McPherson county, Kans. where he spent most of his life.

With his quiet, yet cheerful dispostion [sic] he won many friends. God blessed the labor of his hands so that he could provide well for his family and also help those in need, which he did joyfully.

In 1923 the angel of death took two of our dear daughters from us, Margaret at the age of 12 and three days later, Justine. In this sad hour many tears were shed and vows were made to our loving Savior who was very near unto us.

We were privileged to observe our golden wedding anniversary, which was a special blessing for us.

He enjoyed good health until 1945, when he was hospitalized with anemia from which he never fully recovered. Three years later he again became ill and was taken to the hospital where he was very sick, which caused him to search himself, confessing his wrongs and shortcomings, preparing to meet his God. He was ready and had a longing to die, the Lord willing, but he again recovered and could come home. Shortly afterward diabetes developed. About a year ago he suffered a stroke which made him quite helpless and weak, causing him to have a deep desire to be absent from the body and present with the Lord.

In his last days he prayed much, often mentioning Psalm 91:1-2. Shortly before he passed away, his desire and prayers were that we would some day meet in heaven. Aug. 15 he had another stroke which left him helpless. Aug. 16 he quietly and peacefully fell asleep, to go where there is no more pain and sorrow.

He leaves to mourn his departure, his deeply bereaved wife, five sons, George of Conway, Isaac of Burns, John of Hutchinson, Pete of Hillsboro, and Edward of Inman, Kans.; four daughters, Sarah, Mrs. H. D. Ensz, Mary, Mrs. Aron Nikkei, of Hillsboro, Kans., and Lizzie and Kathrine of the home; 24 grandchildren and five great grandchildren; five daughters-in-law, two sons-in-law and a host of friends and relatives.

Two daughters, one daughter-in-law, one granddaughter, his parents, and all his brothers and sisters preceded him in death.

The funeral took place August 19. At the home, Min. John Ensz officiated. A large group of mourners gathered at the Zion church. Lincoln Jantz chose for his text Psalm 91:1, 2 and St. John 14:1-3. P. G. Hibert read from I Cor. 15 and made closing remarks and prayer at the grave. — The Family.