Martens, Abram (1922-2017)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 2018 winter p. 28

Birth date: 1922 Nov 9

Text of obituary:

Abram Martens

Nov. 9, 1922-Sept. 11, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Alexanderfeld, Ukraine

PARENTS Daniel D. & Margaretha (Regehr) Martens

MARRIAGE Ella Kliewer, Mar. 9, 1944 (d. 1982); Miriam Penner, June 25, 1983

CHURCH Clearbrook MB, Abbotsford, BC

FAMILY Miriam; children Ewald (d.), Trudi (Dan) Willms, Hilda (Bill) Berg; a son (stillborn); stepdaughter Alene (Dennis) Martin; grandchildren; 3 sisters

Abram's family caught the last train to Germany through the Red Gate in 1929, praising God for deliverance. They boarded the Sierra Cordoba for South America, settling in Paraguay where military service was not required. MCC helped them get establish with food and livestock. Abram was proud of his occupation as cowboy. He met Ella; shortly thereafter, they were married. They grieved a 7-year-old son and another who was stillborn. In 1956, Abram, Ella, and their girls came to Ontario. Their second day, they picked strawberries for the first Canadian pennies. Abram thanked God for leading them to Canada. He worked in construction, then at Port Weller Dry Docks for 21 years. Ella died in 1982. At church, Abram and Miriam felt God leading them together. They married and moved to B.C. in 1986, travelling often in their motorhome. Abram was hospitalized many times. His faith grew through the ups and downs. He prayed daily for his family. His motto was Proverbs 3:5-6.