Hertha Martens

Hertha Martens, age 97, passed away Saturday, November 9, 2019 at the Herbert and District Integrated Health Care Facility, Herbert, SK. Hertha was born in Kronsgarten, Russia on April 28, 1922 to Gerhard & Katherine Dyck. Due to political upheaval, Gerhard made the choice to leave Russia. Together with his wife and daughter, they boarded a freightliner on July 15, 1923 and arrived in Canada on August 17.

Hertha grew up in the Gouldtown area, attending Roland school and later Swift Current Bible School, making many lifelong friends. She worked for various farms, assisting the women with household and outdoor chores. She enrolled in a nursing program in Winnipeg, MB but her training was cut short when she returned to Gouldtown and married Arnold Martens on August 28, 1951 — becoming a wife and mother to six children. Three more children would complete the family.

Following the death of Arnold on December 24, 1958, Hertha continued to run a very “mixed” farming operation — always raising chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, sheep, pigs, and of course milking cows, there was a horse or two for transportation, plus growing a huge garden. Help from family and neighbours was always much appreciated. Her children all developed a strong work ethic, the farm was truly a family operation. In spite of the demands of farm life, Hertha always took time for others. Visits with neighbors and extended family were high priority, as were attending church, teaching Sunday School, and working with the Ladies Aide.

After her house burned down in July of 1984 Hertha moved to Herbert, again adjusting to a new way of life. Never one to be discouraged, she made new friends, babysat, helped at the MCC, and joined various groups and organizations. Relationships and helping others came first.

When failing health caused family concern, she reluctantly moved into Herbert Heritage Manor in September of 2011, and then the Herbert Nursing Home in 2012, where she live until her passing. Her legacy will be one of absolute contentment. Philippians 4:11b “for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstance I am.”

Hertha was predeceased by her husband, Arnold Martens; her daughter and son-in-law, Carla (George) Crowther; her son, Albert Martens; her son-in-law, Rudy  Steinwand; her daughter-in-law, Donna Martens; her granddaughters, Sandi Weetman and Terry Dawn Sigurdson; her great-grandson, Mitchell Wilson; her parents, Gerhard & Katherine Dyck; her sister and brother-in-law, Mary (Abe) Schellenberg; her brother, George Dyck; and by her brother-in-law, John Siemens.

Hertha is survived by her children, Jessie Steinwand, Dorothy (Richard) Weetman, Alvera (John) Frame, Lenore Hutchinson, Anita (Ed) Lowenberger, Esther (Allan) Sigurdson, Harry (Janet) Martens, and Leroy (Darla) Martens; her daughter-in-law, Leona (Gordon) Hagel; her twenty-four grandchildren; her forty-one great-grandchildren; her four great-great-grandchildren; her sisters, Tena Siemens and Frieda (Henry) Kroeker; her brothers, Paul (Susie) Dyck and Robert (Diane) Dyck; her sisters-in-law, Helen Dyck, Vicki Archer, and Colleen Heidebrecht; her brother-in-law, Edgar Martens; and by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

The Funeral Service for Hertha Martens was held on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 2:00 pm from Living Faith Fellowship Church, Herbert, SK with Pastor Lincoln Vellacott officiating. “Blessed Assurance” and “I Know Whom I Have Believed” were sung by the congregation, with Diane Peters serving as pianist. Special music was brought by Henry Thiessen, who sang “Wehrlos und Verlassen.” Tributes were given by Hertha’s grandchildren. The ushers in the church were Harry Friesen and Harvey Schulz.

The Private Interment Service was held prior to the Funeral Service from the Gouldtown Cemetery, Gouldtown, SK with Ryan Lowenberger, Jason Lowenberger, Bjorn Sigurdson, Stefan Sigurdson, Sheldon Martens, and Wade Martens serving as Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers were the Henry & Gertrude Schultz Family – Otto, Selma, Verna,  Vera, Eva, Wilma†, Ron, Alvin, Kelly, and Darwin.

In memory of Hertha Martens, donations made to Herbert & District Healthcare Auxiliary (Box 554, Herbert, SK, S0H 2A0) would be appreciated by the family.

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