Peter G. Martens

Peter G. Martens, 79, of Champaign passed away at 5:15 am Sunday (June 16, 2019) at home. A private burial will be held later this week.

Peter was born January 2, 1940 in Stratford, Ontario Canada, a son of Walter and Leona Martens.

Peter is survived by his wife Mary E. Martens of Urbana, Il., her children Rory Durkin and Kylani Pekli, her grandchildren Yuri and Janos. A brother Donald (Terry) Martens of St. Catharines, Ontario, two stepsons from previous marriage to Susan Martens are Damon Matejowsky with his son Gavin and daughter Madigan of Champaign,Il., Donald (Gayla) Matejowsky and their sons Jordan and Corey as well as their grandchildren Jackson and Aurora of Champaign. Former stepchildren by predeceased wife Connie include Brandy Harness, Jamie Randolph and Jessica Sommer, all of Fisher, Illinois.

Peter graduated from Southern Methodist University with a BA in History and MA in Comparative Literature, attended the University of Oregon and went on to receive a Teacher's Certification from the College of Education at the University of Illinois.

Peter retired with thirty-two years of service in October 2002 from the University of Illinois as a Building Supervisor at the Illini Union.

The family would like to thank the team at Transitions Hospice for their devotion to Peter at this difficult time. The family also wishes to thank Peter's caregiver Kellie Champion of Cisco for her important role in keeping watch over and comforting him during his final days.

Peter loved his pets, especially his favorite dog Shep. He loved the great outdoors, reading poetry and gardening. Above all he loved his family.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, please consider a memorial contribution to the ALS Association, 1275 K Street NW – Suite 250, Washington, DC, 20005, (alsa.org) or American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, P.O. Box 96929, Washington, DC, 20090, (www.aspca.org/ways-to-give).

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