Martin H. Merema, 90, of Windsor Manor Assisted Living Community in Morrison, IL, formerly of Fulton, IL, died Friday, October 30, 2020, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling, IL.
Martin was born on December 13, 1929, in rural Garden Plain, IL, to Samuel L. and Grace A. (Smith) Merema. He was educated in the rural Whiteside County schools and was a graduate of Erie High School in Erie, IL. Martin went into the farm implement business with his brother, Bert, establishing Merema Brothers. He later purchased and operated the Ben Franklin Store and Martin’s Casual Fashions in Fulton. After retiring, Martin drove a school bus for River Bend School District. Martin was on the Zoning Board, Tourism Commission, and a member of the Fulton Chamber of Commerce. He was involved in Dutch Days and was a volunteer Miller for the Fulton Windmill. Martin was interested in collecting rocks and, later, in collecting coins. He enjoyed woodworking, traveling, and cooking.
Survivors include one sister, Mrs. Ramona Renkes of Fulton; nieces and nephews, Viola (Ralph) Pray, Robert (Leslie) Merema, Stanley (Kathy) Merema, Roger (Terri) Merema, Judy (Ken) Vanderploeg, Ken (Michelle) Renkes, and Priscilla (Rev. Jake) Ritzema; many great-nieces and -nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Bert and Marian Merema; brother-in-law, Harold Renkes.
A public graveside Service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 4, 2020, at Fulton Township Cemetery in Fulton, IL, with Ken Renkes officiating.
The Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Fulton Food Pantry.