Obituary of Martin Breems

    Martin Breems, son of Garret and Annie (Ledeboer) Breems, was born August 11, 1927 on a farm near Raymond, MN. He was baptized sixteen days later, on August 27th.

    He spent his youth in the Raymond area, attending the local country school through the 8th Grade. He completed his high school education at Clara City, MN. Following graduation, Martin served his country with the United States Navy at the end of WWII, being stationed for a time in Hawaii. Upon his honorable discharge, he furthered his education at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI, graduating in 1954.

    While attending college, Martin was united in marriage to Lorrene Bolkema on August 22, 1951 at Rock Valley, IA. The couple made their home in Grand Rapids where their oldest son, Phil, was born. In 1954, Martin began teaching at Manhattan Christian School, located in Manhattan, MT. Sons, Dave, Gary, and Don were all born here. The family relocated to Edgerton, MN in 1958, where, for the next 13 years, Martin taught at Southwest Minnesota Christian High School. During the time at Edgerton, Martin attended Mankato State College at Mankato, MN and Kearney State University at Kearney, NE. In 1971, they moved to Sheldon, IA, and in 1973, to Sanborn, IA where Martin was employed as an agent for Prins Insurance located in Sanborn. He sold life and health insurance, then specialized in trucking insurance. He retired on October 1, 1991.

    After retirement, Martin and Lorrene enjoyed their time together traveling around the country, spending their winters in a warmer climate at Wagons West in Tuscon, AZ. When they were back home in Sanborn, Martin loved to get his hands dirty tending to his garden. He was always proud of his produce, particularly the hand-shelled popcorn he gave to the grandkids. He also enjoyed a good game of cards, playing pool or fishing, but his favorite time was spent getting lost in a book…he loved to read.       

    Martin was an active participant in the different churches they attended. He served as an elder at First Christian Reformed in Edgerton, and also at Christian Reformed in Sanborn. He taught catechism class and led bible studies, Ladies Aid, and Men’s Society, using his experience as a teacher long after he had retired. He passed from this life on Sunday, October 14, 2018 at the age of 91 years.

    Martin will be fondly remembered by his surviving children: Phil (Sherri) Breems of Prinsburg, MN, David Breems of St. Paul, MN, Gary (Daisy) Breems of Tyler, MN, and Don (Deb) Breems of Spirit Lake, IA; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; one sister, Helena Swierenga of Prinsburg, MN; one brother, Henry Breems of New Brighton, MN; other relatives and friends.

    He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorrene; his parents; two brothers: Gordon Breems and Harvey Breems; one sister, Theresa Frikke; daughter-in-law, Sue Breems; and great-granddaughter, Autumn Diekevers.

Celebration of Life

Martin Breems

Born ~ August 11, 1927

Died ~ October 14, 2018

Age ~ 91 years    2 months    3 days        

Funeral Service

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

11:00 a.m.

Christian Reformed Church

Sanborn, Iowa

Clergy ~ Rev. Al Van Dellen and Rev. Lee Christoffels

Organist ~ Starla Reitsma

Musical Tribute

Rev. Lee Christoffels 

“His Eye Is On The Sparrow”

Congregational Singing

Processional ~ “O Sacred Head Now Wounded”

                        “Children Of The Heavenly Father”

                        “Because He Lives”

Recessional ~ “Victory In Jesus”

Pallbearers ~ Grandchildren

Kent Breems    Kristin Rucks    Justin Breems    Amanda Young

Seth Breems    Sarah Breems-Diekevers    Michelle Breems

Laura Olson    Kayla Breems    Jesse Breems    Jason Breems

Ushers

Jerry  Buteyn  ~  Harvey Van Oort

Interment

Roseland Cemetery

Sanborn Iowa