On the evening of November 16th, 2017, Hans peacefully passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, MT. Hans was surrounded by his family. He was 81 years old.
Hans Martin was born to Max and Anna (Schuster) Martin on June 13th, 1936, in Aschaffenburg, Germany. He was the fourth of ten children.
At the age of 18, Hans left Germany on a transAtlantic ship to meet his brother, Dieter, in Edmonton, Canada. There, he completed his high school education and was joined shortly by his younger brother, Fritz. In September of 1959, Hans enrolled at the University of Montana in Missoula, where he was an RA and played recreational soccer. While at UM, Hans met the love of his life, Pat. They were married on March 25th, 1961, in Stevensville, MT. The next several years brought many changes and much joy to Hans and Pat. Their three children, Ann, Heidi, and Doug, were born in the early years of their marriage. In 1966, Hans became a full US citizen. That same year, Hans also graduated from UM with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Science. In addition to his studies, Hans also spent a great deal of time working on the native plant garden at UM; a project he was always proud of. Additionally, Hans worked at a number of Montana institutions, including working as a mechanic at the Star Garage, driving for Beach Transportation, and fighting fires with the Forest Service.
1969 brought Hans and the family to Helena, their home for the next 48 years. Hans started teaching 8th grade Science at C.R. Anderson. Over Hans’ 27 year teaching career, he also taught Biology, Chemistry, Math, and First Aid. (Much to the amusement of Hans’ family, he taught First Aid in spite of his aversion to and tendency to pass out at the site of blood.) After retirement, Hans took up skiing again and then taught skiing at Great Divide every winter. As each grandchild grew, they each learned to ski on the Great Divide slopes under his tutelage. Hans also returned to his first trade, tailoring. Hans completed his apprenticeship and was a journeyman tailor at age 17, prior to leaving Germany. Always one to keep busy, Hans continued teaching and working with children. He taught chess to Tina’s, elementary school classes in Bozeman, as well as to his own students at C.R. Anderson. Hans also brought candy cane and cookie Christmas tree making to Tina’s classrooms. Additionally, Hans taught chess to gifted and talented students through PEAK and The Gifted Institute at Carroll College, sometimes assisted by his grandson, Dawes. Hans and Pat were also active in the First Lutheran Church in Helena. Hans served as an usher and took great pleasure in designing and caring for the Church flower beds.
After his retirement, Hans and Pat were frequent travellers. Hans visited Germany at least once a year, last visiting in Spring of 2017. While in Germany, Hans would visit friends and relatives, bike through the country, and, of course, ski. Hans was also able to share his love of Germany with many of his children and grandchildren.
Hans was preceded in death by; his parents, Max and Anna, sister Getta.
Hans is survived by; his wife, Pat, siblings Armin, Dieter, Fritz, Hedwig, Inge, Berta, Klaus, and Helga, children Ann and Tony Steward, Heidi Elwood, Douglas and Tina Martin, grandchildren Isaac, Christopher, Chelsea, Dawes, Taylor, and Sidnie, one great-grandchild Kyler, and many more nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends. Pat continues to have the love and support of both the Martin and McKinley families, including her brothers and their families. Pat appreciates the love and support of the church community.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to an organization of your choice in Hans’ honor. Please share condolences, personal comments, and memories of Hans at http://www.helenafunerals.com/obituaries/Hans-Martin/ Interment will occur at a later date.
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Mary Ann Gregory says
A devout Christan man. He’s in heaven singing and praising the Lord
Big Sky Cremation & Twitchell Funeral Se rvice says
8 files added to the album Memories Album
Karen Bjornson says
Hans was a wonderful kind and caring man to be around. We will miss his sweet presence at First Lutheran Church as a brother in Christ!
May the Lord strengthen and comfort you all in this time of loss!
Love and our prayers are with you!
Karen & Roy Bjornson
shannel pocha says
I’m very sorry to hear of Mr. Martin’s passing. He was my 8th grade science teacher, & also worked with my father for the Helena Parks Dept during at least one summer.
I’ve always remembered him fondly whenever I see billboards going up or coming down. He used to bring the ones he’d taken down for his students to use as book covers. I always thought they were really cool looking!
Please know he will be remembered by a great many of his students, he really was a wonderful man!
Fondly,
Shannel K. Pocha-Ealy
Brian DeVore says
Sorry to hear of Hans passing. He made science fun and I enjoyed continued interactions when he tailored for our family business. We also had a chance to ski with him at Discovery Basin. A great legacy.
Brian DeVore
Mary Manning and David Dobrowski says
Mary Manning and David Dobrowski purchased the Medium Dish Garden for the family of Hans Martin.
Halleck de Montigny says
I attended Mr. Martin’s 8th grade science class and developed a profound respect for his wicked humor and obvious love for the chemistry, and chess, that he taught. He was one of the best. RIP, Mr. Martin.
Cheri T says
Mr. Martin was my teacher at C.R.Anderson. I was the only girl in chess club that year, and I spent many afternoons with him as he taught me the finer details of the game. I have played chess all my life, and look forward to teaching my children one day. I think sometimes I frustrated Mr. Martin, but it seemed in an enduring way. I am so sorry for your loss…please know he touched many lives, including mine.
Ludger Stanlein says
Lit a candle in memory of Hans Martin
Ludger Stanlein says
Explanation: i am the friend of Christine Block -Wuppertal; we are very sad
Jo Maierle Smallwood says
I have many fond Memories of Hans and the goodness in his heart. The Martin Family holds a special place in my heart. Please accept my sincere wishes for Peace, knowing he is in God’s sheltering love. Love to Pat, Ann, Heidi and Doug. Jo Smallwood
Don Paul says
What a shocker hearing of Hans’s passing. I was on the ski patrol and also taught the kids school groups with Hans at the Great Divide for many years. What wasn’t to like about Hans, he was always a gracious man and of course a great skier and above all a great friend. Reading the memories of some of his past students just reinforces my thoughts of what a great man he was. What more can a man ask of himself then to know his legacy will live on in all the folks he had such a great lasting influence on.
Don Paul
Andreas says
we miss you so much
Christine, Bettina and Andreas
Andreas says
we miss you so much
Chrsitine, Bettina and Andreas
Scotland O. Clark says
Everyone has a special talent. Hans Martin made a paper bag book cover faster and more correctly than any other human alive. He was also a great guy, and a great chemistry teacher. We never wanted to ask him what he did in the war for fear he’d tell us.