Martens, Robert

Robert "Bob" Martens was a generous and goodhearted man who loved and was so proud of his family. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing and trapping with his sons and grandsons. Bob, 95, died Sunday November 24, 2013 at Allouez Parkside Village in Green Bay. Bob was a lifelong resident of Coleman. He was born January 2, 1918 to Louis and Eva (Boville) Martens. His childhood was spent doing what he loved best, hunting, fishing or anything outdoors. He graduated from Coleman High School in 1936. Bob met Viola, the love of his life, when he first saw her walking along the road on her way to school. To the end he remembered exactly what she was wearing that day and knew he was going to marry her. Bob and Viola (Kortbein) were married on February 22, 1941. Bob had many part time jobs in his early years. Some were cutting and selling firewood, cutting and peeling cedar for making posts, trapping and skinning skunks for fur, not to mention his favorite job of hunting, cleaning and selling cottontail rabbits to the residents of Coleman. He worked at the Coleman Canning Company before being hired to work for Standard Oil as a bulk agent. To this day many 50 and 60 year olds in the area remember getting suckers from the gas guy who always had a box of candy in his truck. Bob Served in the United States Army from June to December 1945. Surviving Bob is his wife of 72 years, Viola. Also, their children, Diane (Jim) Stroschein, Elk River, MN; Bonnie (Jerry) Woulf, Coleman; Ken Martens, Green Bay; Vicki Carter, Luxemburg; Jan (Laurie) Martens, Green Bay; 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, one sister Luella Petitjean, Gardena, CA; 2 sisters-in-law Harriet Lerich, Marinette; and Louise Meier, Kenosha. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters, 2 brothers, and one daughter-in-law Suzanne (Hoida) Martens. Bob was a member of St. Anne Catholic Church, Coleman. Friends may call at St. Anne Catholic Church, Coleman from 9-11 AM Wednesday. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at the Church with Father Bob Karuhn officiating. Interment will be at St. John Catholic Cemetery, Coleman. Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home, Coleman assisted the family. Please visit www.rhodescharapata.com to express online condolences. -