Frederick D. Martz

Frederick D. Martz, Age 91, went Home to His Lord on April 1, 2023, after a period of declining health. April first is a special day for Fred since it has been wife Gert’s heavenly birthday since July 2018. A precious gift to Fred, Gert and all the family is knowing his body has been restored in the presence of Jesus and he is reunited, after five years separation, with his one true love.

Fred was born on December 5, 1931 to John and Sarah Martz (Mowery) in Akron. Fred spent part of his youth in Coventry near Akron until the family relocated to Atwater. Fred would grow up on the family farm they established on the east side of State Route 183 and the 224 intersections. Fred would attend Atwater schools and excel in athletics, leadership and making many lifelong friendships. During high school, he would meet his only love Gertrude (Gert) Ann Douthitt. The couple were married on June 10, 1951 in the Atwater United Methodist Church. Fred and Gert would remain inseparable for 67 years. They would raise their four children in the Methodist church. Fred and Gert both had amazing voices and would sing in the church choir. Fred’s powerful baritone voice was a blessing. Both would serve the church in many different capacities and projects throughout their lives, neither had the ability to say “No” when asked to serve or care for someone in need.

Fred was a proud veteran of the Korean conflict. Fred had already lost a brother in the Battle of the Bulge in WWII and his brother John was currently serving in Korea. Fred could have sought and would have received a deferment from military service. He believed it was his duty to serve and so off he went to Korea. Fred served as a cook in the Unites States Army. Returning home from Korea, Fred would put his skills to work at Fairmount Meat Company. Fred started as a meat cutter and then began running his own delivery route through the Akron / Canton area delivering to the many small grocery stores that existed during the era. Driving through his route years later, Fred would always have a story to tell his passengers about a certain road, a certain house where so and so lived, or some newsworthy event from years past.

Fred would eventually take a position with Atwater Township in 1969 to become the cemetery sexton and road superintendent. Fred would serve in these two positions for the next 28 years. Fred’s proudest accomplishment was serving in the Atwater Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years and being Chief for 20 of those years. Fred would lead and witness the growth of the department. New apparatus, new equipment and the introduction of Emergency Medical Services for the township were added under Fred’s leadership. Fred is the longest serving Fire Chief in Atwater history and has his namesake on a fire truck recognizing his dedicated service. Fred had the rare ability to be a true leader and model the performance / behavior he expected of others.

Fred is survived by his daughters, Debby Martz, Terri (Lee) Horning and daughter-in-law Liliana (Kevin) Martz. Fred’s grandchildren include Marshall (Amie) Martz, Brandon (Nicolette) Horning, Katie (Nathan) Leigh, Jessie Horning, Adam (April) Loudin, Jenna (Jimmy) Favazzo and Sarah (James) Preusser. Fred also had 16 great grandchildren.

Fred was preceded in death by his wife Gertrude, son Kevin (Liliana) Martz and one of his twin daughters Jerri (Jerry) Loudin. Also deceased are his parents John and Sarah Martz, brothers Harold and John A Martz, sister Sarah (Evan) Ervin and daughter-in-law Tamara (Kevin) Martz.

“Behold I Make all things new” Revelation 21:5

Friends will be received at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna, on Friday, April 7, 2023 from 6pm-8pm, where funeral services, officiated by Pastor Ron Lanham, will be held on Saturday, April 8 at 11am. Interment at Atwater Cemetery will immediately follow.

Memorial donations may be made to the Atwater Fire Department, P.O. Box 9, Atwater, Ohio 44201.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com