Hugo Martens

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 7, 2015, 3:00 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3637 Golf Road, Evanston, Illinois, 60203. In lieu of flowers, Hugo would be pleased to know that donations were made to the Blind Service Association at www.blindserviceassociation.org - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/chicagotribune/obituary.aspx?n=Hugo-Martens&pid=174309005#sthash.4AijH3C3.dpuf