Peacefully, surrounded by family on the morning of December 18, 2023, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Cornelius Martens passed away into the arms of his Heavenly Father. Cornie is survived by his wife, Marlene; sons: Alan (Debbie Neudorf), Dave (Marlene Rens), Don (Vonda Plett), Ken (Joanne Toews) & daughter, Carrie (Barry Barkman); 24 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his siblings: Judith, Henry, Helen & Abe; brothers-in-laws: Sam, Art, Ervin, Claude & Gerry; sisters-in-law: Evelyn & Marie. He leaves behind brothers: John, Walter (Rosella), Peter (Terry); sisters: Anita, Hertha; sisters-in-law: Margaret, Linda, Betty Anne (Wayne).

Cornie was born on August 16, 1929 to Abram Martens & Anna Hildebrand near Hanley, SK. He was the 4th of what would be 10 siblings. His childhood years were spent on the family homestead near Reserve Lake, SK attending the local school, then Avery School when the family moved near to Glenbush, SK. For grades 11 & 12, Cornie attended Rosthern Junior College and in June of 1949, he was baptized in the Glenbush Hoffnungsfelder (Fields of Hope) Church.

On October 31, 1959, Cornie married Marlene Olga Heinrichs, also of Rabbit Lake. Shortly after he was asked by the local Mennonite Church to consider pastoring. Prayerfully and with Marlene’s support, he was ordained on August 11, 1963 and together, Cornie & Marlene began what would ultimately total 64 years of volunteer ministry serving the General Conference Mennonite churches in Rabbit Lake, Glenbush, Mayfair & North Battleford.

Cornie and Marlene were also partners in farming. They worked side by side doing field work, caring for cattle and gardening to feed their growing family. As a result of a house fire in the winter of 1965 they moved to a neighbouring quarter section of land close to Rabbit Lake and with the help of family & friends in the community, they built a new home. Here they raised 5 children and developed their property into the farm yard that would be their home for the next 30 years.

In the spring of 1995, Cornie retired with Marlene to a new home in Rabbit Lake, selling the farm to son, Dave. From here, he continued to assist with Al & Dave’s farming operations, later, grandson Russell’s as well. He particularly loved cutting & baling hay as well as helping with harvest but he kept busy all of the time doing any odd job. For the 3 of his children that live out of province, his visits included a lot of handyman work.

In “retirement”, Cornie took it upon himself to care for much of the grass cutting and snow removal in the town of Rabbit Lake. He liked staying busy and active which we think helped him achieve such good health well into his 90’s. Cornie faithfully served his community for many years as member of Town Council, Hall Board and the Rose Gill Lodge Board to name just a few. He was formally recognized for this work as recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service presented to him by the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan. His volunteer work later included assignments with Mennonite Disaster Service, which of course he did with Marlene at his side. In later years, Cornie enjoyed several trips and cruises with Marlene and their friends but when all was said and done, Dad loved being home with meaningful work to do, Marlene’s fresh baking, hockey to watch and books to read.

Our dad was a hard worker, a faithful servant of God and a kind, humble, generous man. He enjoyed life, could laugh at himself and was often ready with a joke or funny story to tell. His last days were spent with Marlene caring for him at home until he needed additional supports. He received excellent care from the palliative care doctors and nurses at the North Battleford Union Hospital to whom the family is so grateful. Many thanks as well to the friends and family who called, visited, sent lovely texts and emails. In the end, Cornie was eager & ready to be with Jesus who he loved. He will be dearly & lovingly missed.

Funeral Service for Cornie will be held Friday, December 29, 2023 – 11:00 a.m. at Territorial Drive Alliance Church with Pastor Keith Klippenstein as officiant. For those unable to attend, a live stream will be posted at https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=territorial+drive+alliance+church+youtube Memorial donations in his loving memory may be made to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank – Box 767 Winnipeg, MB R3C 2L4. Arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium – Vanessa Macnab Funeral Director.

• Date : 2023-12-26
• Location : Rabbit Lake, SK