Mennonite Brethren pastor and seminary president Larry Martens, Fresno, California, died Sept. 14, 2025, at age 89.
Martens began his career as a music teacher, but a class he took in 1967 at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, now Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, became a turning point leading him into pastoral ministry.
He served as an MB pastor at Koerner Heights Church in Newton, Kansas, from 1970-1979, and North Fresno (California) Church from 1992-2004.
In between, Martens earned his doctorate at Southwestern Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, then served at MB Biblical Seminary for 10 years, first as a professor of church and family ministries and later, as president for six years.
In retirement, Martens served as a consultant with the Pacific District Conference and held numerous interim pastorates. He also served as board president of Fresno Pacific University.
Martens was born on July 22, 1936, in Fairview, Oklahoma, to Albert and Minnie Martens, with twin brother Jerry. The youngest of four boys, he grew up in a home where Low German was the family’s first language. Martens developed a deep love for music and began playing piano and organ under the guidance of his uncle, Roland Martens. He also learned the value of hard work, feeding chickens, milking cows and plowing fields. Martens attended Fairview High School, where he earned a spot on the all-state football team. He went on to Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kansas, where he excelled in both academics and music.
He married Kathleen Kliewer on July 25, 1958, in Reedley, California.
Martens earned a master’s degree in music education from the University of Kansas and began teaching K-12 music in Orosi, California, in 1960. He sang in a men’s quartet, the Ambassadors, and directed the choir and led worship for the Reedley MB Church.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Kathleen, and his children Lorlyn (Dwight) Bartel, David (Lillian) Martens, and Teresa (Brian) McCreary; grandchildren Matt (Sarah) Bartel, Ryan (Summer) Martens, Kristen Martens, Shannon Martens, Caleb McCreary and Joshua McCreary; and four great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his brother Jerry Martens and sisters-in-law Joyce Martens and Jeanette Martens.
He was preceded in death by his eldest child, Michael Martens, his brothers Don Martens and Marvin Martens and his sister-in-law Carol Martens.
His family and friends remember him for a life defined by his deep love for family, faith and music. He enjoyed photography, treasured times of worship and cherished every moment spent with his family.
This article is from the life sketch shared online by the funeral home.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/fresno-ca/larry-martens-12523945
Janae Rempel Shafer is the Christian Leader associate editor and joined the CL staff in 2017. Shafer is an award-winning writer, receiving multiple awards from the Kansas Press Association and Evangelical Press Association. A Tabor graduate with a degree in communications and religious studies, she and her husband, Austin, attend Ridgepoint Church in Wichita, Kansas.
Larry was my seminary professor in the area of pastoral ministries and preaching – I learned much from him. He was also a wise mentor in dealing with church conflicts and transitions, and an encouraging friend. I hold him in highest regard and honor his memory.