Obit: Martens, Hilbert J. "Bert" (1934 – 2015)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Martens, Croell, Ruzic, Kopfman, Roberts, Skierka, Kruger, Allen

----Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, Wis.) 07 Oct 2015

Martens, Hilbert J. "Bert" (7 APR 1934 – 3 OCT 2015)

Hilbert J. “Bert” Martens, 81, Junction City, died on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015, at his home, after an 11-month battle with pancreatic cancer, under the care of his family and Ministry Home Care Hospice. A funeral Mass was held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Saint Michael’s Catholic Church, Junction City. Rev. Lyle Schulte officiated. Burial was in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Junction City.

Hilbert was born on April 7, 1934, in Chili, the son of William and Sophie (nee Croell) Martens. He married Donna Ruzic on June 15, 1957, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Willard. She survives. Bert was raised during the Depression in rural Lindsey and Loyal, and lost his father in a logging accident at age 9. His mother moved the family to Greenwood in 1946, where eventually he worked in the cheese industry as a licensed cheese maker, while enjoying roller skating and riding his motorcycle. He spent time in the U.S. Army, 2nd Battle Group, 39th Infantry, 4th Division, Fort Lewis, Wash., before beginning his lifelong career in the trucking industry. He built H.J. Martens Inc. by using his motto of hard work, dedication, honesty and integrity. Bert served on the Junction City Village Board and was a Lions Club member for many years. During retirement he found happiness golfing and spending time at the Stevens Point YMCA, where he fostered many special friendships. He also developed special relationships with “extended sons” John, Rick, Kevin and Andrew.

Survivors include his wife, Donna; five children, Steve (Jan Koss) Martens, Stevens Point, Teri (Joe) Kopfman, Fort Lupton, Colo., Elena (Dan Roberts) Martens, Aliso Viejo, Calif., Maureen Martens, Boca Raton, Fla., and Lyn (Rob Skierka) Martens, Stevens Point; two grandchildren, Skye and Reed Kopfman; one foster grandson, Drake; two sisters, Mabel Kruger, Las Vegas, and Judy Allen, Milwaukee; and two brothers, Bill Martens, Marshfield, and Tim Martens, Milwaukee.

He was preceded in death by four sisters, Helen Garbush, Dorthe Westberg, Jean Michalski and Della Podobnik; and two brothers, Dick Martens and Ted Martens.

In lieu of flowers, in kind-donations may be made to Stevens Point YMCA, (www.spymca.org) in memory of Bert Martens.

Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com.

Rembs Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.