Obituary of Clare Martin

To view the live stream of Clare's Service click HERE 

Clare passed away on Monday May 11, 2026, at WRHN at Queen’s Blvd in Kitchener. He was 97 years old. Clare was a resident of University Gates Retirement Home. He married Sarah “Ellen” Burkhart in 1950 and they were dairy farmers in Waterloo. In 1967 they moved to a beef farm in West Montrose. As the years passed, he transitioned to cash cropping and working as a welder at Snyder Metal Fabricating. He and Ellen started Clarelle Woodworking, repairing and refinishing antique furniture. He was member of Bloomingdale Mennonite Church and in earlier years shared his skills when repairs were needed.

Clare is survived by his children Brenda (Dennis) Madill, Leon (Gloria) Martin, daughter-In-law Susan Martin, and Carol (Gerald) Fehrenbach. Grandfather of Robynne (Kurt) Ouchi; Monica (Andrew) Bellous, Roslyn (Bill) Thomas and Julie (Tim) Best; Abigayle (Bill) Pawson, Krista Martin (Steve Keegstra), and Brett Martin (Andrea Ferguson); and Craig (Laura) Fehrenbach and Keri-Lyn (Marv) Kuepfer. Great grandpa to 18 great-grandchildren.

Clare was predeceased by his wife Sarah “Ellen” Martin, his son Dale Martin, his parents Eden and Velina Martin, and siblings Erma (Ward) Shantz, Vera (George) Weber and Mervin (Shirley) Martin. 

Special thanks to all those who we entrusted with Clare’s care.

Visitation will take place at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 3.30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Funeral service will be held at Bloomingdale Mennonite Church 1151 Snyders Flats Rd, Bloomingdale on Thursday May 21, 2026 at 11am with Pastor Zac Klassen officiating. Reception to follow in the Church Hall. A private Interment for immediate family follows at 2pm at Bloomingdale Mennonite Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimer’s Society Waterloo-Wellington or
Bloomingdale Mennonite Church would be appreciated and may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or at www.erbgood.com