Martens, Abram (1887-1971)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1972 Jan 14 p. 30

Birth date: 1887 Sep 04

text of obituary:

ABRAM MARTENS

Abram Martens of Herbert, Sask., was born in Adelsheim, southern Russia, on September 4, 1887. He came to Canada to the Main Centre district in 1904 and shared in the pioneer work in the area. Through the influence of his parents, recognized his need of a Saviour and was converted in 1904, and in July, 1903 he was baptized and became a member of the Main Centre Mennonite Brethren Church.

He married Susanna Schellenberg in 1909, a union which was blessed with one daughter and eight sons. God called her home on January 24, 1933. In 1936 he married the former Anna Andres of Langham, Sask. The Lord blessed their union with two sons and one daughter. He homesteaded and farmed until his retirement to Herbert in 1967. On November 14 he suffered a stroke from which he did not recover and on November 22 he passed into the presence of the Lord. In his retirement he spent much time reading the Bible and rejoicing in his living hope, a hope while those who mourn wait one day to share with him.

He was predeceased by sons Ernest of Regina in 1953 and Arnold of Gouldtown (Sask.) in 1958. Left to mourn his passing are his wife, Anna; sons: Leander, Abbotsford, B,C.; Eugene, Swift Current, Sask.; Jacob, Herbert; Arthur, Richmond, B.C.; Edgar, Regina; Corny, Herbert; Donald, Toffino, B.C.; Lorne, Main Centre, Sask.; their wives; daughters: Theresa, Toronto; and Colleen (Mrs. Steve) Heidebrecht, Riverhurst, Sask.; one brother and six sisters; 42 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

The funeral was held at the Herbert Mennonite Brethren Church, November 26, with Pastor J. Pauls and Rev. E. Andres ministering.