NEELS, Martin

MARTIN NEELS January 30, 1956 – January 12, 2024 With deep sorrow we announce the passing away of our dear husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, and brother Martin Neels, at the age of 67 years on January 12, 2024.
He will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife, Marian Neels; their 9 children, Marcella and Steve Bos, Les and Krista Neels, Anna and Colin Both, Dave and Heidi Neels, Jeff and Leanne Neels, Reuben and Janice Neels, Laura and Chris Van Asselt, Kim and Jon Oostlander, and Kate and John Mourik. He will also be missed by his 31 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; and his foster children Nick Goodwin, Chris Mills, Lucius Reed and Silas Reed who each had a special place in his heart.
He is also mourned by his mother, Anna Neels; his mother-in-law, Joanne Grisnich; his brothers and sisters, Ina and Tony Kardux, Mattie and John Les, John and Dina Neels, Jan and Gayle Neels, Pete and Diane Neels, Bill and Patricia Neels, Willy and Leen Weeda, Lena Sterkenburg, Marianne and Bob Maljaars, and Jack and Joanne Neels; sisters and brothers-in-law, Ron and Jane Grisnich, Nita and Rus Traber, Edith Grisnich, John and Audrey Grisnich, Annette and Jerry Beusekom, and Geraldine and Bert VandenHoek.
Martin was predeceased by his father, Frank Neels; his father-in-law, Gilbert Grisnich; his sister-in-law, Jane Grisnich; his brother-in-law, Rick Sterkenburg; and his great granddaughter, Kinsey Both.
Martin was born in Terneuzen, The Netherlands on January 30, 1956. He moved to Canada with his family in 1968. The family moved to Chilliwack, B.C. where he later met his wife Marian, who he married in June 1976. In 1982 they moved to Southern Alberta with their three oldest children. After several moves, they settled on a small acreage in Fort Macleod where they made many memories together as a family of nine children. In 2007 they moved to a bigger acreage just south of Fort Macleod where Dad raised many calves. He loved the work and the people he worked together with in the business. In 2021 Dad retired from his farm and moved to a smaller acreage near Granum. He missed the calves and soon had a few to raise again. He sold the last calves when the Lord laid on his heart that he had no more earthly needs or desires.
Dad was an example to all of us and lived by what we read in Mark 12:30,31. “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” By the grace of God, Dad loved God above all and he showed love and compassion without judgment to many in his family, church, and broad community circles. To God be the honour.
Condolences will be held at Eden’s Funeral Home, 2424 – 5 Ave, Fort Macleod, AB, on Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM.
A Funeral Services will be held at Reformed Congregation of North America, 23509, AB-3A, Monarch AB, on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 10:00 AM.
Following the Funeral Service, Martin will be laid to rest at Union Cemetery, Fort Macleod, AB.
To send a condolence, visit www.edensfuneralhome.com