David Paul Martens, age 60, of Rapid River, passed away unexpectedly due to natural causes on Friday, May 14, at his home in Rapid River, MI.
David was born October 20, 1960, in Escanaba, MI, the son of Gus and Marion (Verschaeve) Martens.
David worked at Lakestate Industries for many years. He spent many summers at Bay Cliff Health Camp. He loved spending time with family and was a diehard Green Bay Packer fan.
He also enjoyed going for rides, going to the movies, and eating out.
David was fortunate enough to have two families that loved him. Emily Miron was his caregiver and second mom.
David is survived by:
4 Sisters: Kathy (Jerry) Peloza of Crystal Falls, MI
Karen Martens of Bloomington, MN
Pat Falcon of San Antonio, TX
Janet Martens of Rapid River, MI
Second Mom and Caregiver: Emily Miron of Rapid River, MI
4 Nieces: Audrey Peloza, Alison (Jeff) Grainger, Masae (Will) Ellis, and Megan Falcon
2 Great Nieces: Samantha Onesti, and Kaitlyn Grainger
3 Great Nephews: Tyler Onesti, Liam And Lincoln Ellis.
And several Cousins.
Emily’s family
7 Daughters
And 3 Sons
And multiple Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.
The Martens family would also like to extend a special thank you to Kathy and Craig Combs for their generous time and care.
David’s Parents preceded him in death
Family will receive friends Monday, May 24, 2021 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 PM. David will be laid to rest next to his Parents in the Rapid River Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to Bay Cliff Health Camp, www.baycliff.org, P.O. Box 310, Big Bay, MI 49808, or a charity of your choice. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County will be assisting the Martens family.
Kathy Kowaleski (Schramm) - Lake Orion, MI
Janet, Pat, Karen and Kathy , sharing in your sadness as you remember David. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. I have many fond and funny memories of David, especially that laugh of his when he had pinched you !!!!! Thinking about you and sending much love!
Cheryl Stanek - Gladstone, MI
I remember meeting David when we rented from Gus and Marion. Gus and Marion were two fantastic people who made everyone feel special, and were the most fun loving family my husband and I knew. Den loved to tease David about the Packers. He would tell David to be a Lion’s fan, and David would laugh and shake his head No.
We are sending our thoughts and prayers to David’s sisters and extended family.
Dennis and Cheryl Stanek
Breanne McNally - Escanaba , MI
I’m so sorry for your guys loss! David was an amazing person, I was so lucky to have known him. This breaks my heart. Gonna miss seeing him and bringing donuts home with Sam from Marquette or just stopping by. I will miss coming over to surprise you’s to mow the lawn or snowblow and see how happy he was being with Emily moron. He will be deeply missed prayers
Mary Decremer - Provincetown, MA
My deepest sympathy to Martens and Marion families.
Susan Hampton - Gladstone, MI
My deepest sympathy to David’s family. David was an individual who loved life, made you laugh and lit up a room. I loved working with David in therapy in the early days of computerized communication. On a trip with David & his parents to the U of WI Clinic, we shared a lot of laughter and plans. David will always have a special place in my heart.
Laura Strom - Escanaba, MI
Thinking of you and your loss of David. I had worked with David at the Day program in Escanaba many years ago. I was always impressed by the loving care he received from his family & friends. He had a great smile & laugh! His parents will welcome him with open arms in heaven.