Clare MARTIN

Clare Martin passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the age of 97. He was a resident of University Gates Retirement Home. Clare married Sarah 'Ellen' Burkhart in 1950, and they were dairy farmers in Waterloo. In 1967, they moved to a beef farm in West Montrose. As the years passed, he transitioned to cash cropping and working as a welder at Snyder Metal Fabricating. He and Ellen started Clarelle Woodworking, repairing and refinishing antique furniture. Clare was a member of Bloomingdale Mennonite Church and in earlier years shared his skills when repairs were needed. Clare is survived by his children, Brenda (Dennis) Madill, Leon (Gloria) Martin, daughter-in-law Susan Martin, and Carol (Gerald) Fehrenbach. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Robynne (Kurt) Ouchi, Monica (Andrew) Bellous, Roslyn (Bill) Thomas, Julie (Tim) Best, Abigayle (Bill) Pawson, Krista Martin (Steve Keegstra), Brett Martin (Andrea Ferguson), Craig (Laura) Fehrenbach, and Keri-Lyn (Marv) Kuepfer, as well as 18 great-grandchildren. Clare was predeceased by his wife Sarah 'Ellen' Martin, his son Dale Martin, his parents Eden and Velina Martin, and siblings Erma (Ward) Shantz, Vera (George) Weber, and Mervin (Shirley) Martin. Visitation will take place at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Bloomingdale Mennonite Church, 1151 Snyders Flats Rd., Bloomingdale, on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Zac Klassen officiating. A reception will follow in the Church Hall. A private interment for immediate family will follow at 2 p.m. at Bloomingdale Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimer's Society Waterloo-Wellington or Bloomingdale Mennonite Church would be appreciated and may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or at www.erbgood.com.