Raymond G. Martens

Raymond G. Martens, 87, of South Bend, passed into eternal rest in the early morning of Monday, March 25, 2024, at Memorial Hospital from an extended illness.

Raymond was born on June 5, 1936, in Kankakee, Illinois, to the late Gilbert L. and Jessie M. (Sweeney) Martens, Sr.  He proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Medic and was honorably discharged receiving a medal for good conduct.  On December 18, 1983, in Mishawaka, he married Doris M. Holbrook.  They remained lifelong residents to the South Bend area.  Raymond was retired from Dodge Division of Reliance Electric Industrial Company in Mishawaka.  He was known as a car enthusiast. Raymond was a volunteer firefighter for Harris Township Fire Department for many years. He had a grand collection of model cars and enjoyed attending as many car shows as he could.  He was also a big NASCAR fan.  Raymond’s greatest joy was being surrounded by his loving family.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Doris M. Martens, of South Bend, by his daughters, Gloria J. (Jens) Keller of Ireland, and Amy S. (Michael) Takach of South Bend, and by his sons, Martin C. (Tamara) Ewald of Mishawaka, Gary E. (Katrina) Martens of Walton, Indiana, Robert A. (Brenda) Martens of South Bend.  Also surviving are his bonus children, Michelle L. (Kelly) Jenkins of South Bend, David B. Weidman of Mishawaka, Donald J. Weidman of South Bend, and Terrence O. Lavine of Niles, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, by two grandsons, Jonathon Martens and Christian T. Ewald, by his sister, Melinda S. Bella, and by his brother, Gilbert L. Martens, Jr.

Raymond’s family is following his wishes to be cremated. Friends are invited to visit with the family on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. in the Hanley and Sons Funeral Home-Southwest Chapel, 23421 S. R. 23, South Bend, IN 46614, where a funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 11:00 A.M., with burial following at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, in Osceola.  Memorial contributions, in honor of Raymond, can be made to the Pet Refuge, Inc, 4626 S. Burnett Dr., South Bend, IN 46614.

The HANLEY and Sons Funeral Home “Southwest Chapel” and Cremation Service is handling arrangements and extends our deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to all of Raymond’s family and friends.

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