Martens, Wilhelm Cornelius (1911-1990)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 1990 Dec 7 p. 28

Birth date: 1911

text of obituary:

WILHELM CORNELIUS MARTENS

Wilhelm Cornelius Martens of Winnipeg passed away Nov. 12. He was born Dec. 24, 1911 to Cornelius and Maria Martens in Millerovo, Russia. Following the Revolution they fled to the Kuban. His mother was banished to Siberia. He immigrated to Canada with his father in 1926. He studied at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate in Winnipeg, Mennonite Collegiate Institute in Gretna, Man. and Tabor College in Hillsboro, KS. During the depression he developed entrepreneurial skills doing any job available, including selling shoelaces door to door, gardening and delivering groceries on a bike. He missed his mother and father, who was a travelling minister, but resolved never to do anything to disgrace them. When he was 26, his mother was released from prison; he went to meet her in Germany. She advised him to find a wife in Paraguay. In Paraguay he accepted the Lord and was baptized. He married Luise Rahn Jan. 7, 1939. They attempted several businesses, of which the most successful was cattle ranching. In October, 1954 they moved to Winnipeg. The first 7 years were difficult, but they deepened the family's faith in God and made the family strong, united and loving. He became a successful building contractor, developing the business with his sons. He would visit his children almost every day, encouraging them, leaving gifts, inquiring about their welfare and engaging in intimate discussions. The family also enjoyed intimate Christmas celebrations, travels and an annual Thanksgiving prayer meeting. He was hospitalized due to a stroke and advancing pulmonary disease. His wife, children and grandchildren ushered him into his heavenly home with scripture reading, singing and prayer. He is remembered for his happy disposition, unwavering optimism, generosity and unfailing loyalty to his family. He is mourned by his wife; children Adelheid Fast, Cornelius, Toni Dueck, Gerlinde Enns, Peter, Blondina Falk, William, Armin and Luise Sawatzky; 33 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Nov. 16 in North Kildonan MB Church, Winnipeg, with John Epp, William Neufeld and Roland Marsch ministering.