D. Martha Hand

D. Martha Hand August 14, 1923 - July 13, 2018 BREMEN - D. Martha Hand, 94, of Bremen, passed away at 8:55 am, Friday, July 13, 2018 in Community Hospital of Bremen. Martha was born on August 14, 1923, the daughter of Harold and Nellie (Taylor) Porter. Most of Martha's life was spent in Bremen. She worked for Dr. Bowen, Burket and Stine. She was a secretary at the Bremen Middle School for many years and she was secretary for her husband, Spark, for seven years with the Elkhart Carpenter's Union. Martha also was a volunteer for the Red Cross, the Bremen Hospital, and Meals on Wheels. She was a member of the Home Ec Club and the Couples Card Club for 50 years. Martha was an amazing, vibrant, and loving woman, wife, mother, and grandmother. She spent every day of her life loving her husband of 75 years, family, and friends. Although she lost her mother at a very young age, she became the kind and loving mother she thought her mother would have been. She made sure everyone knew they were loved by never missing a loved one's birthday or holiday, sending each loving wishes in a hand written card. She made each holiday exciting and meaningful, filled with family and tradition, never wanting to leave anyone out. She made it fun for small children with bubbles, toys, or umbrellas to walk in the rain or splash puddles. She could make you laugh or calm your nerves with a smile, kiss, or her kind words. Daily, each of her loved ones were always on her mind. Martha enjoyed beautifully decorating her home and filling her backyards with lovely pink and yellow flowers. She spent many happy summers at their lake home on Lake of the Woods in Bremen. She loved filling her home with family and each felt they were loved and that with her was a safe haven. She loved to sail, watch hummingbirds, and talk with neighbors and friends. Martha's faith in God and her choice to love Him and others was strong. She filled our lives with wonder, beauty, and love. We can't imagine our life without her. She is deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all of her family. Martha is survived by her husband, Noble "Spark" Hand; three children, Rick Hand, Barbara Fritz, and Sheila Schrader, all of Bremen; grandchildren, Heather (Mark) Craft, Alison (Dan) Wilson, Tamra Fritz, Staci (Chris) Mammon, Amanda (Eric) Austin, Josh (Lisa) Fritz, Lee Fritz, Jason (Melissa) Fritz, Michelle (Brian) Krieter, Megan (Matt) McDougal, and Trenton (Jen) Schrader; and 19 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, David (Marcy) Porter and his children and grandchildren. Friends and family may visit with the family from 2:00-4:00 pm, Monday, July 16, 2018 in Mishler Funeral Home, 2030 St. Rd. 331, Bremen. A Memorial Service will follow at 4:00 pm on Monday in the funeral home. Pastor Jordan Much will officiate.