Hugo Martens, aged 86, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2015 surrounded by his large and loving family. A self-described "poor boy from Hanley, Saskatchewan", Hugo was to all who knew him the richest man alive. At the age of 18, he left his native Canada to make a life in Chicago-which he referred to as the "Jewel City of North America" - - with his beloved wife Vivi. Together they built a business, Thiessen Printing, and a family of five sons. In addition to centering his life around work and family, Hugo was a dedicated humanitarian, making connections with people everywhere he went. As a proud Canadian, his first passion was hockey. He loved playing the game with his five sons and he devoted over 25 years to coaching hundreds of young hockey players and helped found the Wilmette and New Trier High School hockey programs. He was president of the Canadian Club of Chicago; long-time president of the Snetram Bridge Jollies; a charter member of the East Bank Club where he was a proud member of the Tough Guys up until last month; president of the Gourmet Society of Chicago; dedicated volunteer at Options for Youth and Chicago's Blind Service Association. For all who loved him, Hugo leaves us with many gifts. He taught us how to honor our heritage as Mennonites. He taught us what it means to build a very cohesive family. He showed us how to use the strength of words, and email, to stay connected and constantly reminded us why we want to connect. He taught us to toast every day and to sing out loud with Ein Prosit. He showered us with love. Hugo was a man of enormous generosity. He embraced life with uninhibited joy. But he reserved his greatest generosity for his family. He loved his wife, sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-granddaughter with an open heart. Hugo is survived by his childhood sweetheart and love of his life, Vivi, his sons Stephen, David, Mark and John Preston; his daughters-in-law Kristi, Betsey, D'Lea and Suzanne; grandchildren Nick, Ben, Brian, Emma, Isabelle, Mariah, Annie, Sam and Jack; great granddaughter Eleven Nai'a; siblings Henry, Bruno and Magdalene. He is preceded in death by his son Michael and daughter-in-law Amy. Memorial service Saturday, March 7th, 2015 3pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3737 Golf Road Evanston, IL. In lieu of flowers, Hugo would be pleased to know that donations were made to the Blind Service Association at www.blindserviceassociation.org

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Published by Chicago Tribune Media Group Publication from Mar. 4 to Mar. 12, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Hugo Martens

20 Entries

Dick Neufeld

May 20, 2015

Vivi, I just recently heard and I am so sorry of Hugo's passing. The memories of the good times we had together still linger and remind me of what a good person he was. I apologize for the delayed response, but I am having my own issues between hospital and nursing home. My sincerest condolences to you and your family and I know your faith and strength will keep you going.

John & Frances Voth

March 22, 2015

We are shocked and saddened to hear of Hugo's passing. Our sincere condolences to the entire Martens family. Vivi we hope you will be able to adjust to your new life in Denver and be comforted by the nearness of your sons and their family. Marlene, you too have suffered a great loss . Not only Hugo but now your sister Vivi will be far away as well. Steven, David, Mark & JP and your families, we wish you much courage, stamina and patience as you adjust to life without your dad & Opa and now becoming a support group for your mom and each other. Hugs to all of you. John & Frances Voth, Niverville, Manitoba

March 13, 2015

DAVE,MARK,J.P. SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR FATHER KEN CREANEY

eric Kirchner

March 10, 2015

Hugo you will be missed

March 8, 2015

So sorry to hear this news. My condolences to the entire Martens family. I can still here Hugo waking us up to go skate at the Village Green. I believe he referred to us as little creatures. I will always remember him fondly.

Ken Lakin

Brenda Lakin

March 8, 2015

Hugo will always live on in our hearts through all our wonderful memories.

March 8, 2015

To Vivi,David,Steven,Mark,and JP.
So sorry for your loss.
The wonderful memories of the time our families spent together will last our life time.
Hugo taught us all so much about what is
"A GOOD LIFE"
I was blessed to be his friend.

Lewis Lakin

March 7, 2015

Condolences to you, Vivi, and your family from Nona and myself. Cal Claus

March 7, 2015

Dear ViVi and family, I have been thinking of you all so much since hearing the news of my cousin Hugo"s death. There will be a huge void in all your lives. It is just over 2 yrs. since Ervin"s accidental death, life goes on but the adjustments are huge. I fondly recall wonderful visits with Tante Tina and Uncle Abram especially in the early 60"s when we were all living in Saskatoon. Love and Prayers, Hertha (Martens) Friesen and family

March 5, 2015

Dear Vivi

So sorry to hear about Hugo. We will toast him tonight. Thinking of you and your family.
Fondly,

Harriet & Michael Weinger

March 5, 2015

We are devastated by this news. A terrible void has been created. Our deepest sympathies.
Florence and Arnie Sklair

March 5, 2015

To Vivi and all the Martens family, Hugo was the kindest, most happy and self assured man that I looked up to as a little kid. You too Vivi, you always had a smile on your face! I remember going to your house with my Mom, the picnics we had, your sweet little Dachshund! My Mom and Dad loved Hugo and you Vivi, and all the boys! I wish I could say more but letting you know as a little kid I thought you all were wonderful! My great nephew has a playoff hockey game this weekend- Hugo will be there to guide him! I let my siblings know I'm sure you'll hear from them! Hugo touched all of our lives!
Kelly Rankin
Daughter of Eugene and Nance Rankin

Rick Getz

March 4, 2015

It is with a heavy heart that I write this. Hugo taught me so much about hockey, and about life(and always called me a flake). He has left me many found memories, and most of the wonderful family he raised. He will be missed, but never forgotten. My deepest sympathy to the entire Martens Clan.

John & Mary Ann Lueth

March 4, 2015

Vivi and boys, I was sad to hear of the passing of Hugo. He was the only boss I had upon my departure from the Air Force until his retirement - some thirty plus years at Thiessen. He was a good boss, and early on, a mentor for a young man starting out. I will always look back at my relationship with Hugo with fondness. We are sad at his passing, but take solace in his full and wonderfull life. Our deepest condolences go out from our family to yours.

Jackie Brennan

March 4, 2015

Vivi, Hugo has left you with wonderful memories that you can cherish. He will be missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. We are thinking of you, Jackie Brennan and your friends at CWC

Julie Rodgers Tufo

March 4, 2015

I cannot think of a time when Hugo was not part of my parent's lives. They have loved him as only friends forged over fifty plus years of dinners, vacations, ball games and bridge hands can. My heart is grateful for the many years that I was able to marvel at his generosity, big ideas, sharp memory and superb storytelling. He will be missed by all that knew him. Julie Tufo

steve r

March 4, 2015

Well done good and faithful servant

Jim Heider

March 3, 2015

.Margie and I send our sincerest condolences to Vivi and the Martens family. Hugo has been a great addition to our Wednesday Men's group, and he and Vivi often joined the duplicate game at Westmoreland. He enjoyed both groups very much and expressed his growing fondness for the friendship and welcoming conviviality of both groups. The feeling was mutual. We will miss him leading us in post dinner singing, "Ein Prosit, ein Prosit Der Gemtlichkeit..."
God Bless,
Jim & Margie Heider

March 2, 2015

Dear Vivi & family,
I want to send my sincere condolences to all of you.Hugo was a wonderful man who cared so much for all of you.Hope and pray that you are all well. much love from Anita Froese and family.

March 2, 2015

Our deepest sympathy to Vivi and the Martens family on their loss. Hugo started the Snetram Bridge group and served as "President" for over 60 years. His views and beliefs on family, religion, politics, and sports has guided and influenced us in many ways. The Cubs and Blackhawks have lost a loyal fan.
Love.
Conrad & Joce

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