John Martens

John F. Martens, age 94 of Henderson, NE, died Thursday, May 8, 2008 at Henderson. He was born on January 20, 1914 near Lushton, NE to Frank J. and Agnes (Kornelson) Martens. When he was 6, his family moved to Collinsville, OK. He started school while in Oklahoma. After his family returned to Nebraska he finished his schooling by completing the 8th grade at 73 W in Hamilton County. At the age of 15 he accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized by John Abrahams in the Blue River near the Yost Mill. At this time, he became a member of the Henderson Mennonite Brethren Church where he was a member until his parting.

On October 21, 1934, he was united in marriage to Gertrude J. Goertzen. They were blessed with 67 years of marriage. To this union were born two sons, Wayne and John and one daughter, Lucille. After 41 years of farming, John and Gertrude moved to Henderson in 1976. John had a variety of interests which included farming, livestock, land development for irrigation, and of course a great love for fishing. There was many a day that he and his wife enjoyed fishing as a team. Their evenings usually ended with a competitive game of Scrabble. John also enjoyed meeting people, making friends, traveling the country and enjoying the outdoors. He had a concern for his family and fellow man. He made his home at the Henderson Health Care Center in 2004. He enjoyed the residents and especially appreciated the wonderful care he received there. He considered the caregivers as friends.

John is survived by his children, Wayne Martens and his wife Alma of Bakersfield, CA, Lucille Lindsey and her husband Max of Springfield, MO, John R. Martens and his wife Karen of Henderson; five grandchildren, Randy Martens and wife Shelly of Bakersfield, CA, Calvin Martens and wife Tandy also of Bakersfield, Mark Lindsey and wife Teresa of Springfield, MO, Debbie Lindsey also of Springfield, and Marie Garmoe and husband Patrick of Duluth, MN; eight great-grandchildren, Tyler, Mitchell, Natalie, Michael, Ryan and Kayla Martens and Melissa and Courtney Lindsey; sister-in-law Goldie Friesen of Aurora, NE and brother-in-law Leo Warkentin of Bakersfield. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Gertrude; three sisters Mary Warkentin, Tena Regier and Helen Quiring; brothers-in-law, Jake Regier, Jacob T. Quiring, Pete Regier, Russ Parker, Wilfred Dahlke, Abe J. Goertzen, Albert Goertzen, Harry Goertzen, Ed Friesen, Frank O. Friesen; and sisters-in-law, Sarah Goertzen, Velma Goertzen, Anna Goertzen, Mary Friesen and Minnie Goertzen.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at the Mennonite Brethren Church in Henderson with the Reverend J. Epp officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Henderson Rescue Unit or the Henderson Health Care Services.