Gilbert L. Martens Jr.

August 31, 1943-October 15, 2023

ELKHART-Gilbert L. Martens Jr., passed away October 15, 2023, at his home in Elkhart.  He was born August 31, 1943, in South Bend to Gilbert Sr. & Marcella (Brooks) Martens.

  On October 28, 1972, he married Donna Olenichak; she survives along with 4 children, Gilbert “Trey” Martens III, Pamela Martens, Christopher (Shasta Nash) Martens, and Cynthia (John) Huemmer.  Also surviving are 8 grandchildren, Meagan, Melissa, Makala, Madeleine, Reagan, John, Matthew, Quintin, 5 great-grandchildren, and a brother, Raymond (Doris) Martens.

  He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Jerry and a sister, Melinda.

Visitation will be held from 2-6 p.m. with a 5 p.m. Elks Memorial service at the Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home on Sunday, October 22, 2023.  Additional visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the 11:00 a.m. Mass Monday, October 23, 2023, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.  Presiding will be Fr. Ken Amadi.

  Burial will be held at a later date in Highland Cemetery.

  Gilbert was a U.S. Army Veteran, Past President of the Indiana Elks Association, Chairman of the Indiana Elks Cancer Research Program, was active in organizing the area Hoop Shoot, and a local small business owner.  He also enjoyed golfing, spending time with his family, will be remembered as a very hard worker and a devoted family man. 

 In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to the Indiana Elks Cancer Research Program.

  Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.