Martin's life began December 15, 1931 in Hysham, Montana. with his mother, Mary, and his father, Willem. They lived in Hedgesville, Montana. for the first few years of his life. The family then moved to Hysham where his parents raised their of four boys and three girls. He graduated from Hysham High School in 1950 and moved to Bighorn to work for his uncle, Ed Verhelst, until 1953 when he married Grace McErlain on June 20 and moved back to Hysham. After nine years they purchased the farm in west Billings, where he spent the remainder of his life.
Family, church and farming were central to Martin. His children, Debby Merrick, Loretta Willems, Martina Willems-Pfarr, and Martin Jarrod Willems, remember his fondness for simple things in life which included card games, walks and drives. Raised a Roman Catholic, Martin had been an active member of St. Pius X church in Billings for the last 35 years and participated in bible studies, the Sacristan program and the Couple to Couple program. An active member of his community, Martin belonged to the High Ditch Board, the Mountain States Beet Growers Association and served on the Elder Grove School Board for six years.
Survivors include his wife, Grace, their children, Debby Merrick, Kent, Wash.; Loretta Willems, Billings.; Martina Willems-Pfarr, with husband Paul, Mount Vernon, Wash. and Martin Jarrod Willems, with wife Kim, Belgrade.
Surviving grandchildren are Eleanor, Daniel, and Mary Reichert, Billings, Mont.; Micheal and Martin Merrick, Kent, Wash.; Andrea Pitcher, with husband Troy, Charlotte, Mich. and Martin Jameson Willems, Belgrade. Surviving great grandchildren are Ezeckel Reichert, Billings; and Jaclynn and Jennifer Pitcher, Charlotte Mich.
Surviving siblings are Gerald Willems, Miles City.; Marie Rangel, with husband Felix, Forsyth; RosaLee Dudley, with husband Tom, Miles City; and Annie Petroff, Miles City.
Martin will be greeted on the other side by granddaughter Rebecca Ann Merrick, parents Willem and Mary, and brothers William and Charles.
Vigil services will be 7 p.m. April 3 at St. Pius X. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., April 4 at St. Pius X. Viewing will be at Dahl Funeral Home.