Martens, Abe (1912-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Aug 3 p. 28

Birth date: 1912 Jul 4

text of obituary:

ABE MARTENS

Abe Martens of Prince Albert, Sask. passed away June 5. He was born July 4, 1912 to Peter and Elizabeth Martens in Plum Coulee, Man. When he was 2, the family moved to Rosthern, Sask. He grew up in the Nitchlova district, where he learned Ukrainian and English. In early adulthood, he visited his aunt and uncle Groening at Lowe Farm, Man., where he committed his life to God. He homesteaded at Dorintosh, Sask. for a year, then returned to Rosthern. In 1939 he married Sue; they farmed, beginning with a pig, a cow and little money. They moved to a farm near Prince Albert. He was always looking for bigger machinery to use on his fields. When Sue's mental capabilities dwindled, he found new talents in jam making, cooking and nursing. When she moved to Rosthern Nursing Home, he moved to a trailer nearby. When Sue died, he was lost for several years. In 1989 he married Laura Willems and moved to Waldheim, Sask. He spent the last 3 years at Bacheldor Care Home in Prince Albert. Predeceased by Sue, he is mourned by Laura; daughters Elizabeth McLean and Rosemary Tudor; 2 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson. The funeral was June 8 in Waldheim MB Church, with Clarence Peters ministering.