John passed away peacefully with his wife and children by his side on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at the age of 96. Beloved husband of Maria (Hereijgers) Martens for over 71 years. Cherished father of Tony and Sharon Martens, Diane Elston and Charles Pickel, Mary Jane and Roy Van Kasteren, the late Henry (1962), Jerry Martens and Joyce Frew, Charlie and Alicia Martens, Marianne and Andy Roelands, Henrietta and Bob Vanhie, Rosemary and Ronald Pols, and Joe and Liz Martens. Proud grandpa of 40 grandchildren and their loved ones, and 64 great-grandchildren. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Harrie and Jo Martens, Jo de Koning, Jos Martens, Ria Martens, Annie de Bruijn-Martens, Jan Hereijgers, Jack Hereijgers, Jos and Jose Hereijgers, and Mien Hereijgers. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Toon Martens and Jonna Martens-Dockx, and his siblings and their spouses; Catrien Frijters (Kees), Wies Monden-Martens (Jan), Piet Martens (To), Kees Martens (Riet), Sjaan de Koning, Bets Vermeeren-Martens (Kees), Maria Martens-Palada, Coba Hereijgers -Martens, and Jac de Bruijn.
John was steadfast in his faith, devoted to his family, and had a love for farming and hard work. Being the only one from each of their families, John and Maria immigrated to Canada in 1954, 10 days after they were married. Together with a small suitcase in tow, they began to build a wonderful life and family.
John also generously served his community through numerous farming and religious organizations, including the Knights of Columbus and the Bryanston-Birr Optimist Club.
We are sincerely thankful to the staff at Agecare in Parkhill for their compassionate care provided to our dad.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street, EXETER on Monday, July 14th from 5 – 8 PM.
John’s Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 32922 Richmond Street, LUCAN on Tuesday, July 15th at 11 AM. Interment St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery.
For those unable to join for John’s Mass, you are welcome to join the family at the Lucan Community Centre following the interment (12:45 PM).
A recording of John’s Mass will be available on Tuesday afternoon by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh
Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, St. Peter’s Seminary Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Tom Moir
To John Martens Family
Very sorry to hear of John’ s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with You at this difficult time.
Annie de Bruijn
Gecondoleerd met verlies van Onze Jan . Wij wensen Marie veel sterkte toe en hun kinderen en kleinkinderen en achterkleinkinderen met het verlies van Pa . Sterkte van Wilfried en Mieke ILja, Evy deBruijn . En Ron en Karin en Minke en Mart and tante Annie en Rien van Beek
Drew Orosz
Marie and the rest of the Martens family,
So sorry for your loss of John.
He lives on through strong community and family. Hope we all can learn from his example of a life well lived.
Sincerely,
Drew.
Gerald and Brenda Lenders
To the Martens family,
Our deepest condolences to all of you. It’s been many years since our paths have crossed, but I remember seeing your parents at different community events. Mr. Martens always came over with his smile and warm hello and chat – he often asked after my Mom’s well being ( as she had been a former neighbour their early years in Canada).
How blessed you all are to have had him in your life for so many years – many wonderful memories.
In sympathy,
Gerald and Brenda Lenders
Petra Dykeman
To the Martens family, our sincerest condolences. Clearly your husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather lived a long a wonderfully fulfilling life. I hope you will cherish all the wonderful memories that have been created.
Annette & Gord Goodale
Dear Maria and all the Martens family, our sincere condolences and prayers.
Gord and Brenda Moon
MJ, Roy and the Martens family,
We send our deepest condolences to you at this difficult time.
Dale & Linda Froats
Our condolences to all the family. John has left lots of wonderful memories for his family to share. He was a good neighbour and we missed seeing him and Maria riding their bikes in Lucan.
Joyce Garrett
To ALL of the Martens family
So sorry to read about John’s passing.
Deepest condolences to all. Keep all those memories alive by talking about them.
A life well-lived and dedicated to his family.
May he rest in peace.
love and hugs
Bill & Joyce
Tony & Lisa Vandenheuvel and family
Our condolences to the entire Marten’s family. Your family is a testament of the love and legacy of your dad. May you all find peace in his memory.
Clarke and Grace Rollings
Maria and the Martens family.
Our sincere condolences on your loss of John. You will have many wonderful memories to cherish.
Pauline Phillips
Henrietta, Bob and the rest of the Martens family. Offering you our condolences on a life well lived.
Pauline & Roy Phillips
Bev Bartlett
Dear Martens Family,
Our deepest condolences to you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Blessings always,
The Bartlett Family
Mary and Ed Wiendels
So sorry for your loss. Difficult at any age to lose your dad, partner, friend. Condolences from Mary (deKoning) and Ed Wiendels
Ray and Pennie McRobert
Our prayers and condolences to the Martens family.
Ray and Pennie McRobert
Jim and Helen Hearn
MJ, Roy, Henrietta and Bob,
Our sincere sympathy to you and all your family. What a legacy he left behind! He certainly will be missed.
Jim and Helen
Mary Hendriksen
I used to live across the road from the Martens family farm. They were an integral part of my childhood and I have many fond memories of that time. In later years my sons and Joe attended school together.
My condolences to Marie and to all the Martens family.
Frank and Mary Lou Heenan
John will be missed. I will always have fond memories of those years we sang in the choir together. Our condolences to the Marten family.
Ans
When a loved one becomes a
memory
The memory becomes a
treasure
We wish you all much strength in these difficult times.
Ron en Ans Schellekens-Frijters
Mike and Diane O'Shea
Sending our sincere sympathy to Maria and the Martens family. John had an incredible life story, certainly one of persistence, determination and hard work.
Mike and Diane O’Shea
Amanda Poppe
My sincere condolences to Diane, her mom and family. May your memories bring you peace and comfort at this sad time.
Sincerely,
Amanda Poppe and Family
Diane Kelly
We are so very sorry for the loss of dearest John. He was loved and appreciated by my Dad Gene, and myself, for many years. Until we meet him again, we will keep him, Marie and all of you in our prayers and thoughts asking Creator to comfort you in the knowledge that John has transitioned to a new life. We will be with him again one day.
Erika van Deursen-Martens
Our condolences to tante Marie and the rest of the family.
I too have many and especially good memories of ome Jan. We regularly talk about our relatives and time in Canada and I always think of ome Jan with a big smile. I wish you much strength for the time ahead. ❤️
Lots of love from Erika & Roderick van Deursen-Martens and kids.
Ina Gommers-Frijters
Dear Aunt Marie, children, and grandchildren,
Our condolences on the passing of your husband, father, and grandfather.
We wish you much strength to process this great loss.
Our thoughts are with you.
Ina and René Gommers-Frijters
Ernie Verbeem
Our prayers and sincere condolences to the Martens family .
Ernie Verbeem & Family
Jean and Jean Frayne
Diane, Charlie and family so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Sending hugs❤️ Ed and Jean Frayne
Beth O'Shea (Charlie)
My sympathy to Marie and the Martens family on the passing of John. He will be missed. Rest in peace John.
Ray & Sue Heffernan
Our Sincere Sympathy to all the Martens family on your loss.
Ray & Sue Heffernan
Mike & Rosie Flanagan
Our sympathies to all of you.
Remember all those special times spent together. John has left quite a legacy. He will live on through all of you.
Hans-J.Rosch
Our sincerest condolences to the Marten family.
Hans-Corinne Rosch
Janet Stryker
My sincere sympathy to Tony, Sharon and the entire Marten family at this sad time.
Janet Stryker
Shelena Garrick
My Condolences Marie and family on John’s passing. He was a lovely man and he will be dearly missed.
Deb & Rob Andrews
Maria and all the entire Martens family-
Sending our condolences to everyone in the loss of your loved one, John.
John was a friendly and dedicated man to all his endeavors in life. In his path here, he was truly involved in
Family, faith, and farming and has touched alot of people’s lives in those years.
May he RIP and may God bless.
Delorme Helen
Mary Jane , Roy and Family
Our condolence of loss of your father. Keep the memorie.
Helen and William Delorme
Carol Combes
Sincere condolences to Rosemary and the Martens family on the loss of your Dad. Our thoughts are with you at this time and the months ahead.
Carol and Barry
Ted & Chris Bibby
Dear Rose, Ron & families, From our families to yours, we send our sincerest condolences on your loss. Thinking of you all now and the days ahead as you journey on with this void in your lives. Hugs.
Ted & Chris Bibby
Pat Kelly
My Condolences to the Martens Families
Norma & Helen Marshall
Martens family.
Sincere condolences on the passing of John.
John and Julia VanOstaaijen
Our condolences to Marie and the Martens family.
May fond memories keep him in your hearths forever. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Ron & Glenda Lindenfield
MJ, Roy and All the Marten Family
Our Sincere Condolences , huge loss, just never easy, hugs 🙏
Jack Hereijgers
Gecondoleerd Marie en de kinderen
En veel sterkte in deze moeilijke tijd van ome Jack Hereijgers.
Helen Christie
Condolences to all Martens families. As kids many of our evenings were spent back and forth at the Martens household. John and Marie always made us feel like one of the bunch. As a newcomer to Canada he was not scared to jump in and get involved with whatever was happening in the area. What better way to learn. He will not be forgotten. RIP John A life well lived
Helen Duynisveld Christie & family
Ingrid Vann (Van Gelderen)
My deepest condolences to the Martens family. I have fond memories of my visits to the farm when I lived in Bryanston many years ago. May his memory be a blessing to you all in the days to come.
Neil & Glenda Murray
Our condolences to Diane, Jerry and the Martens family.
– Neil & Glenda Murray
George and Sue(Insley) Wilson
Marie, Tony and Sharon and family, all Tony’s siblings and families, heartfelt condolences on your loss. Your Dad was a dedicated Husband, Dad and farmer. Cherish your precious memories and hold them close to your heart. May you find peace and comfort from your faith, family and friends. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs.
Mark & Ann Scott
We are sending our sincere condolences to the Martens family. May your loving memories and guidance of John be with you always. Thinking of you all.
Frank and Lorri Hogervorst
Deepest condolences to Marie and the entire Martens Family.
John was a wonderful man rooted in his Faith and dedication to his Family.
Cherish the beautiful memories. ❤️
Joanne & Gord Hardy
To the Martens family:
Sincere sympathy for your loss. He will be missed but has left a great legacy. May he rest in peace.
Adrie en Rinus van Koulil
Onze oprechte deelneming met het verlies van Oom Jan .
Uw man en jullie vader en Opa.
Een prachtmens. 🌹
Veel sterkte in deze moeilijke tijd.
Vooral aan tante Marie,
en alle neven en nichten.
Afscheid nemen komt altijd te vroeg.
Adrie en Rinus
Jennifer Walden
Maria and the Martens Family
You have my deepest sympathy on the passing of John. I will cherish the memories, of which there are may with The Bryanston – Birr Optimist Club
Rina Broeders Vandenheuvel
My condolences to the entire Martens family. His life was enriched by his loving family and dear friends and neighbours.
Bernadette and Art Mercer
Our sincere condolences to the entire Martens family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bernadette (nee Clymans) & Art Mercer
Annette Martens
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your father John. He has left quite a legacy behind and that’s something to be proud of and to be remembered by.
Our prayers are with you at this sad time.
Tim and Annette Martens
Bob & Cathy Moore
Maria, MJ, Roy & all the Martens family. Our sincere condolences to you. Remember all those wonderful memories.
Hugh N Monteith
My Condolences to Jerry and the Martens family on your loss !
Mary Ann & Tom McLaughlin
Our profound condolences to Marie, MJ and the entire Martens families. John was such a wonderful person who was very dedicated to his faith and family. John and Marie when they first arrived in Canada spent time with my mom and dad (Frank and Anna Hoevenaars) as they adjusted to life in Canada. Treasure the many memories and tell their story to all family members as they grow.
Louise Gillis
Gecondoleerd met het verlies van uw man, jullie vader, opa en overgrootvader. Moge de mooie herinneringen het winnen van het verdriet.
Our condolences to the Martens family.
Nico en Louise Gillis
Liz Jenkin
To MJ and Henrietta and family
I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting your father but I’m sure he must have been a wonderful man. You and your families are a true legacy of his strength, love and faith. May you find solace in all the memories and teachings of your father.
Carla
Gecondoleerd tante Marie en familie. Sterkte allemaal!
Toon & Carla Verschuren
Pete & Sherry Fedyk
Diane & Charlie, So sorry for the loss of your Father he will be missed by many! Condolences to his entire families.
Alf & Deb Crunican and family
Sending our heartfelt condolences to all of the Martens family.
Lisa Tomalin-Reeves
Deepest condolences to all of the Martens family at this time of loss. What a legacy your father and mother have created! Celebrate his life and your amazing family. Deepest affection to our former brother-in-law Jerry Martens and partner Joyce Frew, our terrific niece & nephews (Lara (Ryan), Justin (Lindsay) and Lucas (Chelsea) and their kiddos Everleigh, Shae, Lincoln, Brynlee, Isla and Asher. Much love Lisa (Vanderloo) and Jeremy Tomalin-Reeves, Ethan and Chloe
Cyrille & Anne Hartman
Maria and the Martens Family,
Sending our sincere condolences in the passing of John.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this sad time.
Cyrille & Anne Hartman
Don and Judy Squire
MJ, Roy and family
Our sympathy on the passing of your father. Cherish the memories, of which there will be
many wonderful ones.
Judy and Don
Nancy
MJ, Roy and all the Martens Family. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Our deepest condolences.
Craig, Nancy Boxer and family
John &Mary Jansen
Sending our condolences to Maria, Mary-Jane , Roy and all of the Marten’s family. He will be greatly missed.
Pete & Pat Van Geleuken
Pete & I would like to offer our sincere condolences to the Martin family on your loss of your family patriarch. May he rest in the sweetest peace.
Christ Monden
Hierbij wil ik Tante Marie en al mijn neven en nichten in Canada condoleren met het verlies van Ome Jan
Dat hij zijn rust heeft gevonden
Christ en Ella Monden
Etten-Leur
Susan Cook
Sincerest condolences to Marie and the entire Martens family. I have many fond memories from John and Marie hosting Jr. Farmer get togethers and of singing with John in the church choir. Hold onto all the treasured memories!
Anita van Agtmaal
Condolences to all my cousins in Canada and their children, but especially to Aunt Marie! How you will miss him!!! Heartwarming, all the beautiful words I already see here. I don’t have to add anything to that. May he now have his well-deserved rest. And a lot of strength to all of you. Wishing you a good farewell at the funeral on Tuesday. He will always be in our hearts.
Love, Anita
Fam. Frijters Veldhoven (Antoon)
Gecondoleerd met het verlies van jullie lieve man, (schoon)vader, opa en overgrootvader.
Woorden schieten tekort voor het gemis dat hij achterlaat. Hij was een bijzonder mens, vol liefde en warmte, en zal door velen gemist worden.
Wij wensen jullie heel veel sterkte, kracht en troost in deze moeilijke tijd.
In gedachten zijn we bij jullie.
Jos en José Hereijgers
Onze condoleances aan de familie, vrienden en naasten van omeJan.
We wensen jullie veel sterkte voor de komende periode.
Stefan Martens
Our condolences for our entire Canadian family who will miss one of their pillars specially also for his beloved wife my aunt Mary
Wish them all the strength and wisdom to get through this difficult period ahead ahead
All the memories I have of my Canadian family will stay forever in my heart feels like yesterday Aldo my last trip was in 1985. Love hugs and greetings from my family S Martens Leiden the Netherlands
Fam Walter en Lydia Konings Martens
Lieve Family,
Onze oprechte condoleances, met het overlijden van Ome Jan.
Heel veel sterkte voor iedereen.
Liefs Lydia (van Ome Harrie)
Tracy and Chris Gooyers
Passing on our deepest condolences to Marie and the whole Martens family. John was a pillar of the St. Pat’s and Bryanston communities.
Henk Kampers
To
Marie and all of the Martens family my sincere condolences with your loss !
He was a great friend and brother Knight , may he rest in peace.
Henk Kampers
Rhea VanderLoo
My sincere condolences to Marie and the whole Martens family.
Jeanette McKnight
My condolences to Mary Jane, Roy and family and all the Marten’s family. Sorry for your loss.
Jeanette (van Kasteren) McKnight
Gary and Marlene Nairn
Thinking of the Martens family as they celebrate the life and legacy of their wonderful husband and father.
Marilyn Dewan
Maria & family
My sincere condolences on the passing of John. Joe & I had a number of good times with you at KofC events. John was a wonderful man. I know you will miss him.
Marilyn Dewan
marjorie and ernie taylor
remembering John from many years ago. You were friends of my parents, Jack and Jessie Howald.
Marianne Den Otter
Much time was spent across the road while growing up! Never a dull moment at the Marten’s house😊. Our condolences for your loss.
Marianne and Richard Perley
David & Patti Spence
Dave and I are very sorry for your family’s loss. Your father left an army of hard-working, kind and honest people to carry on his legacy. May the days ahead be made easier by all of the happy family memories you have made together.
Chris Martens
Onze condoleances aan elke naaste van omeJan.
Heel erg veel sterkte de komende periode
Chris Martens en familie.
Dave Vandenboomen
Our condolences to the Martens family. Lots of great memories to pass on to the grandkids ❤️ Dave and Donna Vandenboomen
Brenda and Fred Smith
MJ and Family
So sorry for your loss
Always keep the good times close to your hearts
Hugs
Linda Mills
Sending my sincerest sympathy to the Martens family. What a wonderful legacy he has created. To build his life around the 3 F’s is something to be very proud of! Thinking of everyone during this sad time.
Rudy Jansen
Deepest sympathies to Diane and all the Martens families RIP Rudy Jansen ❤️🩹❤️🩹
Ans Dekkers
Our condoleances to the Martens familie, specially tante Marie and my nephews and nieces.
Will remember Uncle Jan as a special man at a respectable age with a lot of memorys to your family.
Greetings from Holland.
Ans and Pieter Dekkers.
Evelyn Vincent
To John’s family
sincere sympathy to all who knew and loved John.
Never easy to say so long
Shelley Martin
Condolences to Dianne and Charles and MJ and Roy along with all the Martens family.
Shelley & Louie Martin
Diane Young and Jessica Davis
MJ, Roy, Henrietta and families
We offer our deepest heartfelt condolences on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Cherish your memories.
Alanna Hosking
Dear MJ and Family,
Our sincere condolences on the passing of your father. He had a full life and raised a wonderful family.
Mac and Steve Hosking
Ed and Gayle Fox
Maria and family. Please accept our condolences for your loss. John was a wonderful man and the Martens family was always wonderful to my family. We spent quality times over the years at the farm with you all.
Ed and Gayle Fox
Lucan, Ont.
Scot Little
Condolences on the passing of your father Tony. What a large loving family he had. Hope you guys are doing well.
Dale Cook
To all of the Martens families, my sincere condolences and prayers for you all
Joyce King
Dear Diane and Family and Charles, So sorry to read of your father’s passing. You have been very fortunate to have him for such an extended lifetime. No one reaches 96 years of age without doing a lot the right way! Good genes help too!! It doesn’t matter what the age is, losing a loved parent/grandparent is never easy. All of you will have your own special memories and stories of him. There will come a time when the mention of his name will bring smiles to your lips instead of tears to your eyes. With sympathy, Joyce King and Mary Dickson
Robert Riley
Our sincere condolences to the family. Our prayers are with you.
Rob and Tracey Riley
Joseph Minten
Although we are unable to attend the visitation or funeral we want to send our condolences to the Martens family. Joseph and Johanna
Wilma Ellis
Condolences to all the Martens family. I remember fondly our family visits with your family and swimming in your pool when we were kids.
Wilma Ellis (Jacobs)
Chris van kasteren
I’ll always cherish the time spent with us playing euchre or Bug your neighbour card games with father Tom, and our closest family members. Sharing great meals especially grandmas soup. All the laughs , great stories, and how you were such a great father to my lovely mother. You have created a legacy bigger and greater then most people could ever imagine and for all those reasons plus a million more I cherish you and can’t Thankyou enough. Love you Grandpa may you rest sweetly in Peace as you deserve nothing more with a life well lived through such consideration to All !
Anne Hartman ( van Geleuken)
John was a family friend for many years, and many memories were created over that time, of a hard working man who also took time to cherish family, friends and left a beautiful mark in his community. Condolences to Maria and all his beautiful family.
Mark and Mary-Anne Studenny
Our sincere condolences to Marie and to the whole family. Our prayers are with you all.
When we first came to St Patrick’s Parish we were wlcomed into the parish by John. Every time we were in church he always took the time to say hi. You will be missed but knowing that you are in the Kingdom of God gives us some confort. Every crop season is a good crop season in heaven, the crops will be bountiful and the dairy cows will be cooperative always. Happy milking.
Maria
I’d like to offer my condolences to the Martens family and especially to Diane, Charlie, Amy, Jonathan, Michael and Katie and thier families. Your dad and grandpa lived a great life and set a good example for all of you. He will be walking beside you until you see him again. Hugs!
Joe O'Neill
Our condolences to Maria and all the Martens family. John has been an inspiration to Henrietta and I.
Joe and Henrietta O’Neill
Leamington Ontario