FRANZ (FRANK) MARTENS

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FRANZ (FRANK) MARTENS August 24, 1930 - January 21, 2014 Peacefully and with dignity, with his niece Brenda Trach by his side, Frank passed away at the age of 84. He was predeceased by his wife Jane (nee Zalusky) in 2007. His father Peter Martens and mother Margarete, two brothers and two sisters. He is survived by three brothers, Henry, Gerhard (Olga) of Germany and John (Erna) and many nieces and nephews. Frank was born in Neuendorf, U.S.S.R. and immigrated from Gronau, Germany to Canada in September 1949. The family moved and settled in Niverville, MB. Frank was an avid bowler in his younger years and enjoyed good times with his long time friend Jake Frose (deceased). He will also be missed by many friends from his younger days far too many to mention. In the mid 1950s Frank travelled to Vancouver to visit family. He was employed at Christy's from 1958-1978 and then worked a short time for Schneider's Meats and then retired from Smith's Corned Beef in 1995. Frank was married in 1970 where he and Jane met at the Winnipeg floodway snowmobiling. Frank always enjoyed life and had a great sense of humour. He loved to go fishing, waterskiing and snowmobiling. He enjoyed many years travelling with his brother-in-law (Bill Chernetsky) to small towns in MB and Grand Forks, ND to tractor pulls as part of the notorious pit crew. Frank and Jane retired in 1995 and moved to their cottage at Betula Lake for 13 years where they enjoyed the garden, their furry and feathered friends. Frank fished and road his sled as often as he could. They enjoyed their daily walks together with their dogs who were always great company. Frank truly loved to sit and enjoy a beverage and the warm rays of the sunshine with his dogs at his feet. Cremation has taken place at Frank's request. A private family memorial will take place at a later date. If friends and family wish, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Thank you to St. Norbert Personal Care Home for all their care of Frank over the past six years. Gone But Never Forgotten Wheeler Funeral Home, Cemetery and Crematorium

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 15, 2014