Jack Martens

Jack J. Martens, 65, of Phoenixville, passed away September 7, 2025. Born in Mount Pocono, PA, he was the son of the late Herman and Johanna (Castricum) Martens. Jack is survived by his wife of 26 years, Ronda Lee (Arbogast) Martens.

Born to Dutch immigrants, Jack grew up with a strong sense of pride in his heritage. He spent much of his early life in Mount Pocono while also staying connected to, and often visiting, his family roots in the Netherlands. He graduated from Monsignor McHugh High School (now Pocono Central Catholic), class of 1978. After graduating, Jack went on to receive his bachelors in hospitality management from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. After college, Jack co-managed Strickland's Mountain Inn, Pocono Gardens Lodge, Memorytown Lakeside Inn, and, of course, (Beautiful) Mount Airy Lodge. Jack was well known for his role within these hotels during the Poconos' famous honey-moon era. He was loved by many and known for his fun, humorous, and generous personality. Jack often reminisced on these memories at the hotels, as he met many of his lifelong friends there. He also met his wife, Ronda, at Mount Airy Lodge, where it all started with a chocolate milkshake and a little persistence.

Outside of work, Jack loved to watch and play basketball. He was the self-proclaimed star of his high school varsity basketball team, and many friends also corroborate this title. His love of the sport followed him into his later years as he taught his daughters to play, both of whom went on to play throughout their school years- just as he did. Aside from basketball, Jack enjoyed golf, chess, and loved to shoot pool. Lastly, he had a soft spot for blackjack, where doubling down was second nature. It was classic Jack- always up for a good time, win or lose.

In addition to his wife, he will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Johanna Martens and her wife, Susie Zhang, and Kendall Martens and her fiancé, Andrew Jacobs; his brother, Adrian "Ryan" Martens and his partner, Brea Lardiere, and his sister, Susan (Martens) Cooper and her husband, John Cooper. He was also a cherished uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

A memorial visitation will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 2PM to 4PM at Bolock Funeral Home 6148 Paradise Valley Road Cresco, PA 18326. True to Jack's wishes, his memorial will be a chance to celebrate his life with laughter and shared memories (and maybe a beer). He wanted people to remember him with the same lighthearted humor he carried through life- and even into this very obituary.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jack's memory to Project Purple, supporting their mission of "a world without pancreatic cancer."