Frederick Martin

Frederick William Martin, 93, of Benton Harbor, went to meet his Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ, Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at his home. A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, May 18, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 3713 Naomi Rd., Sodus, with Rev. Robert Duehlmeyer officiating. Entombment will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens, Coloma, with Military Rites conducted by the North Berrien Military Rites Team.  Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, May 17, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph.  Memorial donations in Fred’s name may be made to Michigan Lutheran High School or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Sodus.  Those wishing to sign Fred’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.   Fred was born August 2, 1922 in Pembina, North Dakota to Ludwig (Louis) & Otillie (Stengal) Martin. The family moved to Benton Harbor and he graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1941  Fred served his county in the United States Army during WWII.  He was an important part of the 96th Infantry Division.  On December 20, 1943, he married his sweetheart, Doris Neubauer in South Bend, Indiana.  Fred was a Master Carpenter, and job superintendant, including twenty-two years with Pearson Construction.  Many buildings in the area have his finish carpentry skills on display.  He was a member of the Carpenters Union Local #898 in Benton Harbor, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sodus, and a life member of VFW Post #1137.  He enjoyed carpentry-working, hunting, fishing and riding his motorcycle.  He was a generous man, always putting others before himself.  In his free time, Fred enjoyed camping with his wife, spending time with his family and with his grandchildren.  Fred is survived by his son Joseph (Susan) Martin, Sr. of Phoenix, AZ; his daughter Lisa Martin of Benton Harbor; five grandchildren-Joseph Martin, II, Samantha Martin & fiancée Paul Reynolds, Rebekah Martin & fiancée Hunter Lundstrom, Alexandra Martin, and Michael Martin; his brother Robert Martin of Benton Harbor; brother-in-law Robert Weise of Niles; and numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Doris on August 10, 1991, his sisters Margaret Weise, Lydia Strieter and her husband Arthur, and infant sisters Norma & Ida Martin.  The Family is grateful for his dear friends Ruth Bahm of St. Joseph & friend & Caregiver Elaine Sawatzki of Benton Harbor.