Peter Cornelius Martens

Peter Cornelius Martens, aged 91 years, passed away peacefully on September 12th, 2021, at the Lions Prairie Manor in Portage la Prairie, MB.

Peter was born in Winnipeg, MB on December 16th, 1929, the youngest child of Cornelius and Maria Martens. Peter grew up on the family farm near Fannystelle, MB. After completing Grade 8, he stopped school to work on the farm. He later finished his school by correspondence and always had a love for learning and had an amazing memory.

In 1958, Peter took over the farm when his parents retired to Winnipeg. He farmed for two years with his oldest sister Lydia, and then took over farming alone in 1960 when Lydia relocated to Winnipeg. He spent winters with his parents in Winnipeg and enjoyed working as a cab driver and florist delivery driver. During this time, he joined a single adult’s group at the Elmwood Mennonite Brethren Church where he met the love of his life, Hilda. In 1971 they were married, and they lived together on the farm until 2002 when they relocated to Portage la Prairie to be able to help care for their grandkids.

Peter was always very active in their church in Elm Creek, taking on various roles such as Treasurer and serving on various boards over the years. He loved life on the farm and was an avid bird watcher. His greatest joy in later years was watching his grandchildren grow up and he loved to help and be a part of their lives in any way he could. He particularly loved giving them rides to anywhere they needed to go and was so proud of all their accomplishments.

In 2020, Peter moved into Long Term Care due to mobility issues. He will be remembered for his love of visiting with anyone and everyone who had time to listen to his stories, and for his radical generosity, whether it was supporting his local church and numerous charities, or helping his family, friends, and neighbors in any way he could.

Peter was predeceased by his parents, Cornelius and Maria Martens, and his three sisters, Lydia Martens, Mary Bergen, and Ann Chapman. Peter is survived by his wife Hilda Martens, his daughter Angela (Patrick) Perron, and two grandchildren Alex (Alice Britton) Perron and Alaina Perron.

We would like to thank the staff at Lions Prairie Manor for their care and kindness in Peter’s last days.

The Funeral Service for Peter Martens will take place on Wednesday, September 22nd, 2021, at the Portage Evangelical Church, 72 3rd St, N.E., Portage la Prairie, MB, starting at 1:00 pm, with burial to follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Viewing will take place at the church 1 hour prior to the service.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations in Peter’s memory can be made to The Gideons, P.O. Box 3619 Stn. Main, Guelph, ON, N1H 9Z9. To leave condolences, or to share a memory with the family, please visit our website at www.ronaldmoffitmemorialservices.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ronald Moffit Memorial Services.

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