Quietly, in the early hours of December 12, our dear father was called to his eternal home. Dad was born on April 21, 1911, at Grunthal, MB, son of John S. and Kathrina Martens. He farmed together with his brother Jake until 1938, when he married our mother, Annie Thiessen of Rhineland, MB. They lived and farmed at Grunthal for about 10 years, when they relocated to their farm at MacGregor, MB in 1948. Mom and Dad were blessed with seven children, one of which died in infancy. Dad worked hard providing for his family, on their mixed farm. He was active in the community, driving school bus for 14 years. He served on the Board of the Austin credit Union for many years. In 1974, Mom and Dad retired from farming and moved to Steinbach to spend their remaining years among family and old friends. Dad began to do woodworking, starting a home-based industry making crokinole boards, wooden louvers, games and toys. They enjoyed their retirement until Mom was diagnosed with cancer in 1979. She predeceased him in 1984. Dad met and married Susie Martin from Rosenort, who survives and sorrows his passing today. With the union, he was blessed with another family of five, along with their spouses and children. Dad was always a cheerful and positive person, encouraging those around him. He loved music, Christian fellowship, caring for others and especially his family. We will all miss his voice on the phone, always inquiring about our lives and rejoicing in all God’s goodness to him. Left to mourn his passing are his wife Susan, three daughters Lillian (Justus) Leschied of Dryden, Ont.; Evelyn (Larry) Hohn of Edmonton, AB, Rosana (Helmut) Neufeld of Amaranth, MB; three sons Leonard (Glenda) of Barrie, Ont; Larry (Lise) of Ottawa, Ont; Richard of Toronto, Ont; 13 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 5 stepchildren, and their families. He is also survived by two brothers, George (Lena) of Grunthal; Ben (Mary) of Winnipeg; and four sisters Lena Schellenberg, Steinbach; Mary (Frank) Doerksen, Nettie (Pete) Funk and Annie (Herman) Froese of Grunthal, MB. He was predeceased by three brothers and two sisters. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2000, 1:00 p.m. at the Steinbach Evangelical Mennonite Church, 420 Main Street. Viewing will be held prior to the service, and on Friday, December 15, 7-8 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. The family wishes to thank all who visited Dad and mother during his illness. Your greetings, prayers, and gifts encouraged them daily. A special thank you to the Home Care Personal, the management and staff at Fernwood Place, for their constant care and attendance, helping to alleviate the load and accompanying anxiety. Dad appreciated both your care and your friendship, especially during these past few months.