Martens, Jacob (1925-2003)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2003 Aug 22 p. 25

Birth date: 1925 Oct 3

text of obituary:

JACOB MARTENS

Jacob Martens died July 7. He was born Oct. 3, 1925 in Schoenhorst, Ukraine to Isaak and Agatha Martens. He worked with his father in the farm business. Because of political unrest, the family fled to Upper Silesia, Germany in 1943. Jacob was conscripted into the German army. He was wounded and sent to Austria to recover. The family was reunited and lived in a refugee camp in Gronau, north Germany after the war. He expressed his faith in Jesus and was baptized in the General Conference Mennonite Church in 1947. He immigrated to Montevideo, Uruguay in 1951. He worked at various jobs. He rededicated his life to Christ and joined the MB church in Gartental. He married Erna Heide Mar. 12, 1955 and they homesteaded in Gartental. The family emigrated to Canada in 1959. He became a baker and worked at that until retirement. They joined Vancouver MB Church, where he was usher, parking lot attendant, transportation provider and choir member. He visited his mother weekly until her death. He enjoyed camping and fishing with his family. He is remembered for his sense of humour, his zest for life, his concern for family and friends, and his love for Christ. Predeceased by infant daughter Elfrieda, he is mourned by Erna; children Walter, Ingrid, Marianne, Dietrich, Heidi Harms; 4 sisters.