Martens, Wilhelm J. (1898-1972)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1973 Feb 9 p. 23

Birth date: 1898

text of obituary:

WILHELM J. MARTENS

Wilhelm J, Martens was born in 1898 in South Russia. He completed his elementary school education and undertook studies at the Zentralschule in Ignatjewka. He began working in a business firm, but this was interrupted during the first World War for service in the Forstei. Then he taught school in Sergejewka and Steinfeld,

In 1920 he was married to Maria Enns, and their union was blessed with 9 children, one son dying in infancy. In 1926 the family emigrated to Canada, settling first in Niverville, then on a farm near Sperling, Manitoba. In spite of many difficulties, the family prospered materially and spiritually. In 1928 he accepted the Lord as his Saviour and joined the MB Church, and became active in various aspects of church work.

In 1942 his wife died, and he was left to care for a large family. After two years he re-married. In 1955 the family moved to North Kildonan and joined the church there. The later years were marked with considerable suffering, but the fellowship of other church members was valued greatly. He died of cancer on December 29, 1972,

Left to mourn are 6 sons, 2 daughters, 28 grandchildren. 4 sisters, and 2 brothers, as well as many friends and other relatives. Funeral services were held in the North Kildonan MB Church with the pastor, Rev, Wilhelm Neufeld, officiating, Rev J.B. Wiens served with an address, and a singing group from Niverville sang a number of suitable songs, Interment was in the Sperling Cemetery.