Obituary of Abe Martens

Abe Martens, age 78, went home to be with Jesus, very early on Tuesday morning, October 8th, 2024, in his home, with our mom at his side.  We rejoice that his battle with cancer is over, and he is healed and in the presence of His Lord and Saviour.

He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of almost 58 years, Mary; his four children, Kerry, Denny (Alvina), Victoria (Darel), Wendy (Garth); his eight grandchildren, Nolan (Rachael), Jayden (Ashley), Daniel, Joshua (Dayna), Brookelynn, Chelsea, Aimee, Zachary; and one great-grandchild, Zoey.

He also leaves behind his sister Katherine; brothers Peter (Esther), Jake (Linda), Henry, and Cornie (Marge); two sisters-in-law Helen and Kathie, one brother-in-law Bill, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother John, brothers-in-law Jake and John, sisters-in-law Helen and Betty and his nieces Lisa and Vanessa

Our dad was born in 1946 in Altona, the fourth child of seven children to Henry & Anna Martens. He lost his mother when he was 11 years old. Our parents met while both working at the sewing factory in Steinbach.  They got married on November 26^th, 1966. In 1968 they started their family and before 1974 their family was complete with their four children. Dad always said he had the “perfect” family:  two boys and two girls. 

In February of 1974, dad made the biggest decision to give his life to Jesus.  God had been working on his heart for years prior and a tragedy made him question where he would go if he died.  That led him to surrender his life to Jesus. He became a new person and that altered the course of his life and that of his whole family.  Church community and involvement became the perfect place to grow in their faith and find supportive friendships, some that continue to this day.

Dad worked most of his life at Loewen Windows (almost 35 years in 2 segments), and 10 years at Cloverfield Bee Supplies in Kleefeld. His hard work ethic, his incredible ingenuity and efficiency proved to every boss that they could trust him with much responsibility.

When we lived in Kleefeld, dad volunteered in the fire department, eventually taking on the role of Fire Chief. He loved helping in the community and on different committees.  Dad started a side business of saw sharpening called “Variety Saw Service” and did that for more than thirty years, right up until just a few months ago. 

Dad took pride in his work, not only at his job, but also at his home.  He loved to work with his hands and was a creator, fixer and problem solver.  He learned how to do things by trial and error and NOT by reading a manual. He was incredibly resourceful with the materials he had, though his approach was sometimes “unconventional”.  If we had a practical question about anything, he could come up with a solution and loved to help his family and friends.

He loved working with wood and made many tables, games, hope chests, and other things.  He built decks, a garage, fences and fixed almost anything.  In the past he also enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing fastball. 

Dad loved to laugh and have fun!  He was often silly and enjoyed playing harmless, practical jokes.  His laugh was one of a kind and we miss it already!

After dad retired, he enjoyed driving for car dealerships and the hospital lab, spending time with his friends, going for coffee to McDonald’s, and hanging out with other couples.

Being with his family was his favourite thing to do.  He couldn’t see us enough and often told us that he loved us and gave hugs generously.  His grandkids were such a joy for him.  He would hold and cuddle them when they were young and as they got older, he spent time chatting with them, being goofy and making them laugh. 

Our mom was his favourite person and best friend.  He loved her dearly and we all knew it. Their relationship was a beautiful example to all of us.  They would end their day reading scripture and praying together.

In the last many years, our dad faced many health challenges but found strength in God and the support of his family, church and friends to keep going forward with courage and determination.  Mom lovingly cared for dad at home during these last few months.  This was a gift to dad and to our family. 

We are forever grateful for the legacy that he left behind.  He often talked about the Lord and his desire to see him face to face one day.  He greatly anticipated heaven. He was never shy to share his faith, even right up until the week before he died.  His greatest desire was for his family to also give their lives to Jesus and live for Him.  He shared with us, even until the end, that there was nothing more important than knowing Jesus. 

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Our dad desired to finish well, and he did. We love you dad and soon we will all be together again.

**Our family would like to thank the wonderful team of medical professionals:  Cancer Care, Palliative and Home Care.  We would also like to thank our family, friends and church family for all the prayers, love and acts of kindness.  We feel richly blessed.

The memorial service will take place on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., at Southland Church, Steinbach, MB. To join the family via livestream, please click HERE shortly before the service. 

An ash interment will take place at a later date.