Clarence Martz Jr.

MARTZ, CLARENCE, JR.

OF Portage, MI

Clarence Martz, Jr., age 87, went home to be with his Lord on March 1, 2019. Clarence was born August 3, 1931 in Barry County, MI, the son of Clarence and Hazel (Besmer) Martz, Sr. He was a longtime area resident and received his Bachelor's Degree from WMU. On August 22, 1952, he was united in marriage to Lois L. (Fassett) Martz. Clarence and Lois were longtime active members of the Portage Free Methodist Church (now called Renovation Church). Clarence received his County Normal Degree and taught in a one room school in Hastings, MI and then for Portage Public Schools before continuing his building business full time. He was a home builder and realtor for over 50 years in the Kalamazoo area. Clarence co-owned and operated Four Seasons Builders along with Reg Shave and Jim Gustafson, developing many plats throughout the years including Rudgate In The Woods, Brookwood Highlands, Ashton Woods, Country Trails and Pine Island. He was a member of the Kalamazoo Board of Realtors; member and Past President of Kalamazoo Home Builders Association.

Clarence enjoyed biking, golfing and traveling with his wife, Lois. He was a much loved father, grandfather and great grandfather who sacrificed his time for his family. He was a charter member of his church, a song leader, teacher and friend to many. He hoped to be known as a person who loved and served God. He loved his family with all of his heart and wanted all to serve Jesus.

Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Lois Martz; their children Diane (Craig) Glass, Daniel (Julie) Martz, Dawn (Mark) Sondergard; grandchildren Anna (Jacob) Sondergard, Rebekah (Ryan) VanZegeren, Sarah (Michael) Grasman, Laura (Matt) VanDerWende, Emily (David) Buick, Megan (Alex) Boese, Monica (Charles) Stone; great-grandchildren Luke, Avery, Isaac, Adeline, Nora, Noah, RedIron, Burr, Opal, Mabel, Weber and two more arriving soon; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Clarence was preceded in death by his parents and all eleven of his siblings.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00AM Tuesday, March 5th at Renovation Church (1715 W. Centre Ave.) with Pastor Chuck Connors officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00PM on Monday, March 4th at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street, and at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 to 11:00AM. Immediately following the service there will be a time of food and fellowship in the church hall. A Graveside Service will be held in Hope Cemetery.

Memorials in Clarence's memory may be directed to the Kalamazoo Area Youth for Christ, or the Renovation Church. Please visit Clarence's personalized web page and guest book at www.langelands.com