Obituaries

JOHN MARTENS
   John Martens, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away at the Victoria General Hospital on Friday, January 13, 2017, at the age of 91 years.   Remaining to forever cherish John’s memory are his son, Randy (Brenda) and grandchildren, Christopher, Rachel and Ross. He was predeceased by his wife Gloria and his son Ross.    John was born on December 5, 1925 in the village of Neuhorst, Manitoba. After finishing High School, he worked as an orderly at the Brandon Hospital for Mental Diseases, then became a permit teacher and taught in rural Manitoba. In 1947, John went to Normal School (Teacher’s College) where he met Gloria; they married two years later and embarked on a 60-year adventure together. They moved close to Whitemouth, Manitoba where they jointly ran a two-room school house for five years. They subsequently purchased a farm near Morris, Manitoba where they resided until 1977. As a successful poultry farmer, John was a member of the founding executive of the Manitoba Egg and Poultry Association. He also worked for various agribusinesses in southern Manitoba. After selling the farm, he and Gloria retired to Carman, Manitoba and spent their winters near Palm Springs, California for 29 years, where John was an avid golfer.    In compliance with John’s wishes, no formal Funeral Service will be held.    The family would like to thank the staff of the 2 North at the Victoria General Hospital for their outstanding and compassionate care.    In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made in John’s memory to the Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba, 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg MB, R3T 5K9, or manitoba@mccmb.ca.            Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com