John R. Martens of Abbotsford, B.C. died in peace and dignity with his daughter Loretta by his side on Monday, June 6, 2005, to take his rightful place with his Savior in the heaven he longed for.
John was born on May 19, 1911 in Rueckenau, Ukraine. He immigrated to Canada with his family when he was thirteen years old, eventually settling in Coaldale, Alberta.
In 1937 he married the girl of his dreams, Susie Wiebe. John and his brother Pete served their many friends in Coaldale and area, operating Del Monte Store and IGA Supermarket until 1967.
After moving to Abbotsford, he spent the first ten years of his retirement in the real estate field where he made some life-long friends. He continued his retirement as a part-time Manitoba farmer for his son-in-law, Ernie Thiessen, as part of traveling and enjoying friends, children and grandchildren with his wife Susan. After 62 years of marriage, Susan went to be with the Lord, leaving John missing her deeply for the years that he waited to join her.
With a fervent belief in family, John leaves a rich legacy to his children: F. John (Joan), their children Ian and Tiffany; Loretta Fournier (Robert); Orlando (deceased) (Norma Martens-Way), their children Jeremy, Michelle Viviers (Greg) and great-great grandchild (Joshua), Danielle and Janelle; Trudy Ulsrud, her children Annalee and Hans Peter; Debbie Thiessen (Ernie), their children Gregg (Jolene) and great-great grandchildren Kate, Ruth and Mei), Angie, Alex (Gabrielle), Caleb and Jesse (fiancée Christie); three brothers Peter (Lena), Frank (Gertie), Henry (Frieda); one sister Susie Klassen (Dave); and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, Susie, and son Orlando, John was predeceased by his brother, Jake.
John’s family would like to thank Carla McBride for being a faithful and loving caregiver to their father in his final six years. They would also like to thank the care aides, nurses and other working staff at Ebenezer Home and Menno Hospital for the respect, care and attention they provided him.
A memorial will be held at Bakerview M.B. Church at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 10. It will be preceded by a graveside service at Musselwhite cemetery at 12:30 p.m. on Friday (leaving Woodlawn Funeral Home at 12 noon). Viewing will be held at Woodlawn from 7:30 — 9 p.m. on Thursday evening, June 9.
Woodlawn Funeral Home
604-853-2643