Emiel H. Maertens, 80, of rural Kewanee, died at 10:50 a.m., Monday, January 4, 2016 at the Kewanee Care Home.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 8 at Rux Funeral Home in Galva. Rev. Ann Champion will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 7 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Galva Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Bishop Hill Community Methodist Church or to the Galva Senior Citizens Center.
He was born June 5, 1935 in Moline, IL, the son of Art and Madelyne (Stevens) Maertens. He first married Darlene Hepner on June 17, 1956 in Bishop Hill and she preceded him in death on August 4, 1997. He partnered with Patricia “Pat” Addis in 1999 and they later married on February 17, 2007. She survives, as do his son, Mark Maertens of Altona, step-son, Curtis Potter of Bishop Hill, step-daughter, Ellen (Dale) Akers of Charleston, WV, a brother, Francis (Nancy Shambaugh) Maertens of Galva, a sister, Alice (Dick) Strandberg of Woodhull, three grandchildren, Justin (Amanda) Johnson, Dustin Johnson and Mandy Maertens-Coleman and two great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Denise Johnson.
Emiel attended St. Malachy’s Catholic School in Geneseo. He was a life-long farmer. He was a member of the Bishop Hill Community Methodist Church, the Henry County Farm Bureau and the Galva Senior Citizens Center. He enjoyed restoring antique tractors, doing puzzles, playing 4-point pitch and going to the Filling Station in Bishop Hill. He was a kind and gentle soul who will be missed by friends and family. This obituary may be viewed and private condolences left at www.ruxfuneralhome.com.
