Date of Death: January 18, 2025

Service Details

His family will receive friends Thursday, January 23, 2025 beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Derl Keefer officiating.

Obituary Notice

Martin Dwayne Edmisten, 34, of Sturgis, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2025 at his home.

He was born December 6, 1990 in Three Rivers, the son of Harlan Bontrager and Janet Bender, and graduated from Sturgis High School with the Class of 2009. From his T-ball days on up, he loved baseball, ultimately becoming a catcher for Sturgis High School’s team.

A precursor to his adult life as a dairy farmer, Martin became very involved in 4-H, showing goats, dairy, rabbits, and chickens. He demonstrated his generous heart helping other 4-H members, even those he was competing against. He later got his children involved in the Tumbleweeds and Leonidas-Do-Best 4-H clubs.

He served his community working at the Three Rivers Fire Department and volunteering with the Tri-Township Fire Department, roles he very much enjoyed. He also was an accomplished welder.

Martin was kind, sweet, soft-spoken, helpful, loyal, and had a smile that would melt your heart. His children were his world – he adored them, and they adored him as well.

Remaining to cherish his memory are his parents; sons, Lexten, Emmett, Belaimy, and Exzabrien; daughters, Annabel, Hazel, and Ellowine; mother to his children, Sasha Oswalt Edmisten; brothers, Michael Edmisten and Matthew Edmisten; sister, Manda Monistere; grandmother, Virginia Bender Carpenter; many nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Mark Edmisten; and his grandparents.

Additional Information

Donations in Martin’s memory may be directed to his family c/o Janet Bender. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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19 Comments

  1. It’s incredibly heartwarming to hear about Martin Edmisten and the immense love he had for his children and his commitment to 4-H. Martin’s passing, just a month ago, has left a profound void in the hearts of those who knew him. He was not just a father, but a guiding light for his children, instilling in them the values of hard work, kindness, and community involvement. His dedication to 4-H was more than a hobby; it was a testament to his belief in nurturing young minds and fostering a sense of responsibility and leadership in the youth.

    May we all find comfort in the knowledge that Martin’s love and dedication have left an indelible mark on the world. His legacy will continue to flourish in the hearts of his children and the countless others he inspired. Rest in peace, Martin Edmisten. Your contributions and love will never be forgotten.

  2. hey cousin martin I love you so much you were a great person I know you are looking down at all of your family you were truly a great guy who cared for anyone and everyone you were great at so many things such as being a dad a friend a relative and much more I was so blessed to have you in my life u are so loved and missed. McKenna do well R.I.P martin

  3. This broke my heart when I found out. You were like an older brother i never had until we grew up together and you became my brother. You were my rabbit, chicken and dairy leader pretty much my entire life of being in 4-h. I knew once I got out of 4-h on what I wanted to do and that was to become a leader because you pushed me to be to do stuff I never knew I could do and you helped me. I love you so much big bro. You were taken way too soon ❤️ you are the reason why I fell in love with jersey from showing one of ours from the farm.

  4. I played baseball with Martin and was friends/acquaintances with him for many years.

    We always called him farmer and he could moo just like a cow as kids. I have fond memories with him and wish his family the absolute best.

    This really hits close to home. See ya again 1 day farmer.

  5. I was blessed to begin my teaching career with Martin in my very first class 25 years ago. He was a very bright student with a huge heart for others. He was very sweet and inquisitive. I remember how upset he was after he grew very attached to a 4H turkey that was sold at the fair, and I remember visiting him at U of M after a heart procedure. Sweet, sweet boy. My heart breaks for his family and I was deeply saddened when I heard of his passing. I pray strength and comfort over Martin’s family and all who have been touched by him. ♥️

  6. Its so hard to put into words on what I wanna say at a time like this. But I will try my best to do so..
    Martin dude I have known you a very long time and it breaks my heart that this has happen. You have always been a good kid grown-up..and I know you was an awesome father to your kids who will miss you very much. Not to leave out your momma and siblings. As well as the many friends you have made along the way. I pray you will always rest in peace and in the arms of Jesus you will stay safe. I will always say a prayer a prayer for your kiddos and family Martin. You will and are definitely missed by many many people.
    FLY HIGH BEAUTIFUL ANGEL FLY HIGH.

  7. Martin was a completely loyal and faithful husband and father all he wanted was for his children to be happy loved and cared for no matter the sacrifice, this young man had the biggest most sincere heart his life was his children he was the sweetest most soft spoke caring individual may God rest his soul in peace and be with his children as they move through life without their biggest fan and supporter. I knew Martin as a young boy and had the pleasure later in life as knowing him again as the devoted husband and father he was

  8. I have no where to start I known Martin since we where babies we’ve been best friends very since I know I’ll keep his memories close deep in my heart. He’s just amazing best friend. amazing father to his children who love him so dearly. I’ll miss him forever. Rest in peace Martin Dewayne

  9. I’m not even sure where to start. My heart has been broken. You were taken from us too soon. You we a loving father and a great friend as I’ve known you through your 4-h years to your kids in 4-h. I loved teaching your kids about rabbits as I learn with you when you were showing. My prayers go out to your entire family. We will miss you and see you again one day. Loved you like you were part of my own family

  10. Oh Martin where do I start? You were always such a good kid. From the time I met you as a young 4-H kid that showed that jersey Buttercup as a heifer for 3 or 4 years because she wasn’t able to get pregnant. Not your fault, you were embarrassed, but you still did it because you loved being able to show cows. Then you got with me and your kids showed cattle. You were so excited you cruised around that fair grounds for weeks before the fair. I still have the pictures of us setting up the stalls and you and your kids showing. The last couple of years the kids have been in 4-H and you’ve been the ultimate example of a dad. You’ve worked your butt off to get the kids what they need, sacrificed meals during the week so that they would have meals on the weekend . You loved working on the farm, looked forward to the weekend so you could see your kids. Martin, I just want you know that I know you were trying your hardest at everything you did to make your circumstances better. I’m proud of you and I will always be proud of you. Your life wasn’t easy, and we had talks about that, but you never gave up because of your children. I love you son. Your second mom♥️

  11. To my sweet Martin and family. Martin was a wonderful friend and excellent father. He was the most caring man to my family. You will be missed bye everybody. Keep swatch over your kids from above.

  12. A heart as big as his is now a part of the stars. He leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter. Though he’s gone, his memory will forever live on in his kids and our hearts. We will miss his warm smile and kind spirit. Rest in peace, Uncle, you were truly one of a kind. Memories we shared will always be cherished. Your laughter and wisdom brought joy to our lives, Death cannot be a person’s end if he can live on in those who have been left behind because our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life. We can’t lose the people we love, not even to death. They continue to influence our everyday decisions, and their love leaves an indelible ink in our memories. It is an honour for our lives to be enriched by such an amazing soul <3 love always Roo Roo

  13. Mickey, my little sweetheart. Even though his name was Martin he never objected to me calling him Mickey, he always greeted me with a smile and a hug and said goodbye with another hug and a I love you. To hear of his passing broke my heart, but knowing we will be together with all our Family later helps to ease the pain. Mickey was an amazing Man and Father who will be missed by many. Lifting Prayers with love and hugs for all.

  14. Bubby.. I don’t even know where to start.. .I’m so lost right now ..had I known within 2 days you would be gone I would have never left.. our conversation Fri and our plans we were making shattered..I don’t know why you had to leave so fast and never will but your with some amazing people up there I guess they needed you more.. I’ll see you soon baby bubby I love you and forever will miss you fly high with your brother and dad.. love sis

  15. I am so sorry for the loss of Martin. From the early days of playing baseball and basketball with our son Riley, to the years of seeing him become a true 4H member and leader, Martin was genuinely friendly and caring to all. May God hold his family and friends close as they move ahead carrying on for Martin’s children. God bless all.

  16. Martin you were such a great human, your going to be so missed here on earth. God had another plan for you we may not all understand it. But I know your in God’s hands now. Look over your beautiful family as they all love you so much. Until we meet again rest in peace. Love Brittani and kids.

    • This breaks my heart. I knew this young man many years ago in 4-H. He was in my club for rabbits. I taught him everthing I knew as a leader and he did excellent. Such a nice polite little boy.

  17. IAM so saddened by the loss of this young man Martin💔He was a wonderful person who I remember from a very young age through his adulthood. I feel privileged to have been a small portion of his life and offer sincere sympathy to his family. Much love and prayers to all. Harriet Harter

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