Martin D. Banning, age 77 of Grandville, MI, died after a brief battle with cancer and Covid-19 September 15, 2021. Born and raised in Bangor, ME, Martin spent most of his adult life in western MA where he worked as an accountant for Doncasters Inc. - a manufacturing firm. In 2008, he married Gertrude Altena of Marne, Ml and in 2011 they moved to Ml. He was lovingly accepted by his new large in-law family, Gert's circle of friends, and the church family at Grandville Bible Church where Marty came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
He loved all things New England - the sports teams, seafood, "real" Italian food, the Maine coast, Boston where he lived during college years at Bentley University, the Boston Pops, lighthouses, and the mountains of western MA. Although a New Englander at heart, he came to appreciate western Michigan for the lake shore, the cultural opportunities of the Grand Rapids area, the farmers' markets, and nurseries where he could indulge his passion for flowers. His hobbies besides gardening were related to numbers and detail. Using these skills, he served on his condo association's board for several years.
He was preceded in death by his parents Dr. Andrew and Marguerite Banning; stepmother, Nellie; and brother, Harmon. He leaves his sister-in-law, Ann Banning of DE, and her children Grant of DE, Adele (Rob) Wright of OH, Alison (Joe) Rogerson of DE; cousins Pam and Pat Goudzwaard of Grand Rapids Ml, MA cousins Will (Helen) Banning, Silvia (Arnold) Baker, and Anita Banning, and Sarah (Rob) Gutek of AZ. He will be dearly missed by wife, Gert, her sons Gene (Kendell) Altena of Grand Rapid, and their children Zach of FL, Nate of CA and Nick, and Matt (Lindsay) Altena of Grand Rapids.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Grandville Bible Church, 4122 44th St. SW, Grandville, MI with a time for visiting starting at 10 a.m. Please consider making a donation to Mel Trotter Ministries or the charity of your choice in Marty's memory. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.
DONATIONS
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18