Martens, John Robert (1911-2005)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2005 Sep 2 p. 27

Birth date: 1911 May 19

text of obituary:

JOHN ROBERT MARTENS

John Robert Martens died June 6. He was born May 19, 1911 in Rueckenau, Ukraine to John P. and Helen Martens. His mother died in 1916 and his father remarried in 1918. The family immigrated to Canada in 1924. They worked as labourers on farms in Ontario and Manitoba, moving to Coaldale, Alta. in 1929. They operated Del Monte General Store until 1946. John R., together with brother Pete, took over the business that later became the IGA Supermarket and ran it until 1967. John accepted Jesus Christ, was baptized and joined Coaldale MB Church in 1933. He attended Coaldale Bible School 1 year. He married Susie Wiebe Aug. 8, 1937. In 1967 they retired to Abbotsford, joining Bakerview MB Church. In retirement, he worked in real es- tate and helped his son-in-law farm in Manitoba. He was a good businessman, an encourager, and a gracious and grateful gentleman. Predeceased by Susie, son Orlando and 1 brother, he is mourned by son John of Coaldale; daughters Loretta Fournier of Abbotsford, Trudy Ulsrud of Toronto and Debbi Thiessen of Griswold, Man.; 1 sister; 3 brothers. The funeral was June l0 in Bakerview MB Church with Ray Harris ministering.