Obituary of Katherine (Tina) Martens

Martens – Tina (Katherine, Katharina), age 92, one day short of her 93^rd birthday of Swift Current and formerly of Waldeck, SK passed away December 25, 2020 at The Meadows.  She was born to Cornelius and Katharina Wiebe at a farm in Springfeldt, SK on December 26, 1927.  She was the fourth generation with the name of Katharina.  She attended Amphion School with arithmetic being her favorite subject, but she excelled in them all (she genuinely enjoyed school).  Growing up she adored and loved her grandmother Katharina Knelsen and spent much time with her.  She believed in Jesus as her Lord and Savior and was baptized June 2, 1951 at the age of 23.  She married John Martens on October 19, 1954 and they were married for 56 years until the time of John’s passing.  They were blessed with 9 wonderful children.  Tina’s greatest aspiration was to be a Mom and what an awesome Mom she was.  She leaves to mourn her passing her daughters, Sandi (Pete) Klassen, Sharon (Laird) Wilms, Ruby Hammer; and her sons Neil (Bonnie) Martens, Gord Martens, Ivan (Shelly) Martens, Alden (Paula) Martens, Len (Brenda)Martens, Darcy(Cindy)Martens;  22 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.  She is survived by her sisters Susan (John)Klassen; Annie Schlamp; Betty(Ike) Giesbrecht; and  by her brother Cornie (Mary)Wiebe; also survived by sisters-law, Mary Wiebe, Betty Martens, Doreen Martens, brother-in-law Walter Klimosko and many nieces and nephews.  Tina was predeceased by her parents Cornelius and Katharina Wiebe;  husband John Martens June 20, 2011; son-in-law Jack Hammer;  sisters Mary Rempel(Wolfe), Helena Olfert, and sister Gertrude Wiebe (in infancy); and her brothers John Wiebe and Larry Wiebe.  Tina was a quiet gentle soul and loved knitting, crocheting, cross stitch and quilting, but enjoyed many other things like scrabble, crosswords and playing games.  Tina had a knack for doing crafts and spent much time in her retired years reading a good book.  We shall always remember her garden and yard filled with flowers throughout.  Her favorite flowers were petunias and carnations.  Who can forget her favorite food- cottage cheese perogies and favorite dessert, apple crisp with ice cream.  Her most enjoyable times involved her family.  Oh, how Tina and her husband John loved to watch ball games.  Her most treasured possessions were photos of her children and grandchildren and her greatest desire is that all of her children and grandchildren will meet her in heaven.  Through the good times and the bad times, Tina would be committed to look at circumstances in a positive light; she just made up her mind to do that.  Her favorite gospel song was “Precious Memories”, which expresses how much the Lord Jesus and family meant to her.  These few words can barely begin to capture the essence of such a beautiful person named Tina, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and sister.  We love you and look forward to meeting again.  Until then we will miss you with all our hearts.  A funeral service was held on December 30, 2020 at 2pm at Parkside Chapel, Swift Current, SK.  The pallbearers were  her sons; Neil Martens, Gord Martens, Ivan Martens, Al Martens, Len Martens, and Darcy Martens.    Donations may be made to the Canadian National Institute of the Blind (CNIB) in Tina’s memory.    Arrangements were in care of Parkside Memorial Funeral Home – Ryan Cappelle & Hayden Cappelle.

To watch the livestream of the service click on the link https://boxcast.tv/view/katherine-tina-martens-funeral-service-255778