It goes without saying that family was Martin's greatest joy. We may not have seen his children much because of distance, but we always knew how and what they were doing. He was so very proud of them.
Martin's extended family also held great importance to him. I always remember Grace and Martin at every high school graduation (and there were many), family picnics, weddings and funerals.
Another event that comes to my mind is sports. When Billings Central played Miles City in basketball you could always count on seeing Martin across the gym in his "Billings Central Green" sweater. I remember going over to him at half-time and ribbing each other.
My daughter, Mallory, enjoyed him a few summers ago at Fairmont Hot Springs. She asked him to go down the waterslide with her, and much to her delight, he took her up on it. He played the part well - needing her help, being a bit scared. Mallory just knew she was a great help to him even when they got stuck half way down. Children, not just his own, meant a great deal to him. You could tell this by his actions and comments. Mallory still loves to tell that story. I'll bet he did too.
My mother always said when they were growing up, Martin was such a good example. His honesty, intelligence, good looks and hard work was something she hoped someday to find in a man. I'm proud and grateful to have known him.
Vicki (Niece)
This is what I remember about Martin: When we went to Fairmont two years ago I asked Martin to go down the water slide, and we got stuck but we got out. It was fun! I liked Martin and I am sorry he died.
Mallory (Great-Niece)
Uncle Martin and my dad were the type of farmer I only dream of being. To them, farming wasn't just a living, it was a lifestyle. I, too, was told about the walks from school and also many of the pranks they did. All of us will truly miss him, but we will always look up to him and respect him.
P.S. The (poor) hand-writing runs deep in the family.
Billy(Nephew)
I always enjoyed listening to Martin talk about farming and visiting with him at farm auctions. Since Billy and I are farmers, we could spend many hours on this subject. I'll really miss these moment.
Laurie(Nephew's Wife)
I never got to know Martin as much as I wanted, but I knew him well enough to know he was a special person. As I get older, I realize more and more how great the Willems family is. Martin was definitely a good example of this.
Amy (Great-niece)
Uncle Martin had a "big" white horse -- Flossy. We got Flossy to the embankment to get on her. I got Mary Jo on, and then I was getting on Flossy and slid off the other side. I landed on my hand and wrist. I laid there in shock and Aunt Grace gave me a wet towel (I think it was purple). Mom and I headed to Billings to the hospital. I want to thank Uncle Martin (watching over all of us) and Aunt Grace for taking care of my mother and sister during that time.
I will miss his stories of the old days the most: Uncle Martin and Uncle Bill would go to town to meet up with their dates or make the girls laugh. Mom (Rosalee) and Annie would want to tag along. So the girls would sneak into the back of the car. Martin and Bill would find them and make them lay down in the back of the car. The girls would have to stay down or face the "wrath" of their brothers! I do not know how many times this happened, but I bet Mom and Annie were scared but also had a lot of fun teasing their big brothers.
Terry (Niece)
These poems came about from notes I made and lines I wrote when I saw Martin and Grace as a young teenager and adult. They come from conversations at family reunions, visits to their place or our home, and basketball games.
I've probably been working on the poem about Martin for 10 years. For all that time, my hope was to refine and develop thoughts of him. I completed the poem about Martin after talking with Dad
My dad always referred to their farm as "Martin's Place" as though it had special meaning for himself and Martin. I don't think they realize what a comfort their farm became for me. It truly became a refuge.
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Steph (Niece)