Submitted by: Dan Rich

Richard R. Martens

Nov. 26, 1922 - Nov. 12, 2008

South Bend Tribune 11/14/2008
MISHAWAKA - Richard R. Martens, 85, passed away on Wednesday, November 12 in Hospice House, South Bend. On February 23, 1946 in St. Bavo Catholic Church he married his high school sweetheart, Joan Winebrenner who survives. Richard was born on November 26, 1922 in Mishawaka as the only child of Achiel and Juliana Martens. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a son-in-law Jim Troutner. He graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1940. Richard was a United States Army Veteran. He served his country during WW II. He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant 117th Anti-Aircraft Div-1942/ 1946 where he served in the South Pacific. He was employed by Studebaker until they closed. He retired from Uniroyal in 1986 as Production Control Supervisor. He took great pride in being an area photographer who took both wedding and family portraits. He played fast pitch softball in Mishawaka for many years. He was on the ground breaking committee that helped plan and develop North Side Little League. He took great pleasure in managing/coaching many teams for several years. In the early 1980's he started the first ever senior softball league in Mishawaka. He was a member of the VFW Post 360, Mishawaka High School Alumni Association and St. Monica Catholic Church. Surviving are his children, Joanie (Bob) Tajkowski, Penny (Jeff) Brown, Rik Martens, Linda (John) Hill, Sue (Mark) Jurgonski and Becky Troutner. His greatest sorrow was the tragic death of his son-in-law, Jim Troutner. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, Julie (Allen) Pelletier, Jennifer (Max) Black, Amy (Joe) Calderone, Kevin Bert (Stacie Tepe), Geoff (Heather) Brown, Lisa (Nick) Watkins, Kyle and Mike Troutner and Ricky and Maggie Jurgonski and six great grandchildren, Zachary, Christopher, Abigail Pelletier, Jacob and Katelyn Calderone and Baby Watkins. Richard was a dedicated and loving person who was loved and cherished by all of his family and friends. His devotion to family was his greatest gift to us all. The family would like to give a very warm heartfelt thank you to everyone at Hospice House, the St. Joseph's VNA Homecare and to Dr. James Reidy and his staff for all of their caring and support through this very hard time, not only for Richard but the whole family.