John F. Martens, 93, of Chester
The Chester Telegraph | Mar 06, 2023 | Comments 3
J ohn F. Martens of Chester went to be with Jesus on March 1, 2023. He was born May 21, 1929 to Henry and Lizzie Martens of Inman, Kansas. in 1950, he married Dorothy Swartley of Gardenville, Penn., and in 1954 God called them to Vermont, to serve a small Mennonite church in Andover.
John filled many roles at Andover Community Church, including 34 years as co-pastor. He was a generous man, and steadfast in praying for others. He delivered milk for Idlenot Dairy, retiring 30 years ago. He enjoyed woodworking, selling woodcrafts at local fairs, watching his favorite basketball and baseball teams, and playing table games.
He is survived by sister Marie Regehr of Inman, Kansas; and children Joanie Parker (Bruce); Bloomingdale, Ill., Kathy Martens of Andover; John Loren Martens (Martha) of Middlebury, Ind.; and Daryl Martens (Kathy Jo) of Chester. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Andover Community Church, c/o Patti Gordon, 2625 Simonsville Road, Andover, VT 05143, or Bayada Hospice, P.O. Box 8081, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 17 at Davis Memorial Chapel, 99 Summer St., in Springfield.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 18 at Andover Community Church, 928 Weston-Andover in Andover. A private burial will be held at a later time.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Memorial Chapel of Springfield.
Filed Under: Obituaries
John was my high school bus driver from
1955-1959 and always polite and kind. He was loved by everyone. Later, we were delighted to learn he was our family milkman for many, many years. May God be with you.
My deepest condolences to the entire family. He was such a kind and generous man who always had a smile and a heart-warming story to share. I saw him often at Springfield Hospital, mostly as a pastor and a friend to many, making his rounds to share a prayer and spread some cheer. He made it a point to say hello to me, and if he didn’t remember my name, he would remember something about a story or laugh we shared, and it would come back to him. Keeping his family close in my thoughts and heart as they grieve his loss. He was one of a kind.
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. He lived a exemplifying life following the love of Jesus Christ. Getting to know him was a powerful influence on my life and so many of the Coolidge family. Prayers for his family.