WILLIAM EDWARD MARTENS

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WILLIAM (BILL) EDWARD MARTENS April 28, 1941 - March 16, 2015 William (Bill) Edward Martens was welcomed into this world on April 28, 1941 by Ed and Louse (Reimer) Martens as their firstborn son. He grew up in the Kronsweide district just south of Lowe Farm with his brothers Walter and Art. Known as an exceptionally bright student in school, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1959, proudly serving his country until 1965. He married Mary Sawatzky in 1967, settled in Winkler, and became father to Barbara and John. After moving to the family homestead southwest of Lowe Farm, their youngest son, James completed their family. During their marriage, it was common for Bill to farm during the summer and work in Winnipeg during the winter, being employed in a variety of capacities such as television technician and at the sugar beet factory. He served as a Councillor for the RM of Morris for years, and was always available to anyone in his district who had a problem with which he could help. He would always help anyone he could and asked nothing in return. Having a keen eye for how things are put together, he was often known to build something if he needed a job done and the right tool, piece of machinery, or what-not couldn't be found. His biggest project was the house in which he lived until just before his passing, having crafted each rafter, joist, piping run, electrical connection and kitchen cupboard by hand. He moved to Winnipeg to work full-time for Manitoba Housing in 1996. While there, he made many friends at the Legion, where he loved to play cribbage. He retired and moved back to the farm full-time in 2007, often returning to the Legion to peg to 121 points by twos, fours, sixes and more. Bill successfully fought back from a stroke in 2011 and fought lung cancer with the same stubborn determination during the past three years, even after it spread to his liver and kidneys. Always an independent person, he refused to ask for help and withdrew from many people in case he would become a burden to anyone. Although he was a private person and a man of few words right to the end, he became much more reflective as he realized cancer was gaining the upper hand. He presented each of his children and grandchildren with a Bible this past Christmas with the brief advice, "Read it." The sudden death of his younger brother Walter in 1987 shook him deeply, as did the passing of his father, Edward Martens, in 1998 and his mother, Louise Reimer Martens, in 2005. Bill lived his last several months with his son James, at whose home he suddenly left this world on March 16, 2015. He is survived by his children, Barbara (Shane Pitts), John (Liza Breyfogle), and James, plus his grandchildren, Connor, Aaron and Amanda. He is also survived by his brother Art. He asked that donations be made to the Kronsweide Sommerfeld Mennonite Church in lieu of flowers. We, the family, would to thank everyone for their kind thoughts, heartfelt prayers and messages of condolences during this difficult time Viewing will take place at Morris Funeral Home on Friday, March 20 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and prior to the service at the church. The funeral will take place at the Kronsweide Sommerfeld Mennonite Church, Lowe Farm, MB on Saturday, March 21 at 2:00 p.m. The church is located two miles south and one mile west of Lowe Farm. Aufwiedersehen, schlafen Sie gesund. Arrangements by Morris Funeral Home Morris, MB, (204)746-2451.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 20, 2015