Walter John Martens, 82, of Ocean Isle Beach, NC, passed on December 18, 2019 in the care of Agape Hospice at The Oaks of Loris, Loris, SC.

Dad was born in Pelican Rapids, MN. A son to the late Wilhelm and Dagmar (Jorgensen) Martens on August 14, 1937. He is preceded in death by his son, Walter John Martens, Jr. and his brothers Donald, Milton, Robert, and sister Mary.

Dad is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Marion (Gould) Martens, daughter Lynn Curry (Bruce) Wiesbaden, Germany, granddaughter, Carolyn Irwin, (Michael) great grandchildren Colleen and Liam Irwin, daughter, Karen Ponton (Terry) Olympia, WA, grandson Mitchell Ponton, (Kristine) Phoenix, AZ, daughter-in-law, Ivonne Martens (O'Neill), Sterling, VA, grandson Johnathan Martens (Amanda) Woodbridge, VA,  daughter, Elizabeth Reynolds, (Patrick) Louisburg, NC, granddaughter Mary Reynolds, grandson Matthew Reynolds, son, David Martens (Lisa) Fort Mill, SC, grandson, Marschal Martens (Priscilla), York, SC, great granddaughter, Kinsleigh Martens, grandson Nickolas Martens, Fort Mill, SC and his sister Donna Dickinson, Bemidji, MN.  Dad is also survived by grandson, Eric Richo (Jamie), North Haven, CT and great granddaughters, Evline Richo, Brielle Richo, and Colette Richo.

He graduated from Breckenridge High School, Breckenridge, MN in 1955 and enlisted in the United States Air Force. His first duty station was Loring AFB, Limestone, ME. This is where he met his greatest love Mom (Marion).  They had a great life and had many adventures - they have lived in Maine, Minnesota, California, and Connecticut before retiring to Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.  Dad worked 34 years at the North Dakota Air National Guard and Connecticut Air National Guard. After retiring from the Air National Guard, Dad went on to work as a Hartford Connecticut Deputy Sheriff and then as a Corrections Officer in Connecticut.  Upon retirement, the next adventure was to Ocean Isle Beach, NC to work for Allied Pest Control for 14 years - the clients to this day still ask about Dad. 

Dad had many hobbies over the years but his love of aviation was lifelong. Dad was able to realize many dreams: including a private pilot license and owning his own plane while belonging to the EAA - Experimental Aviation Association. 

Dad loved to travel (including worldwide) and try different things, he was always ready with a smile, laughter, or a zinger! 

Dad loved with all of his heart, and in everything he worked hard to provide the best life possible for his children and wife.  Dad loved us but the greatest gift he gave to us was to love our Mom wholeheartedly.

A story about Dad - we traveled in our childhood to Minnesota and visited Dad's childhood church - Dad was focused on the church Bible - when he found his name he visibly relaxed - it looked like he felt at home and at peace.  With that story in mind - we know that Dad is wrapped in Jesus' loving arms and slipping the surly bounds of Earth and touching the face of God.

Dad - you gave us so much - we love you and know you are with Walt Jr.

The family thanks The Oaks of Loris and Agape Hospice.
In lieu of flowers - please donate to the Alzheimer's Association or Seaside United Methodist Church.

Internment services will be held on January 4, 2020 at 2 PM at Seaside United Methodist Church located at 1300 Seaside Road, Sunset Beach, NC 28468.

 On line condolences may be sent to www.brunswickfuneralservice.com

Brunswick Funeral Service Shallotte Chapel.