Martin Brubaker

Martin passed away on a beautiful snowy morning, February 17, 2024 under Masonic Hospice Care surrounded by his family. A lifelong resident of Lancaster County for 95 ½ years. He was born on July 4, 1928, and achieved success with hard work, perseverance, and being adventurous. Martin’s parents were Jonas and Naomi Brubaker. He had 5 siblings, Elizabeth, Jonas Jr. Naomi (Bob) Rowe, Ruth (Bill) Yovanovich, Ben (Bertha). His sister Ruth and brother, Ben are still living. He grew up and worked on the family farm. Martin attended school until the 8th grade and then stayed home to work on the farm. He kept in touch with his classmates from the class of 1947, through the class reunions. Martin was a member of Mount Joy Mennonite Church. His favorite passages are Psalm 139 and Isaiah 46:4. In 1946, at age 18, he went on a life changing 10 week adventure as a sea going cowboy, sailing across the Atlantic Ocean to Bremen, Germany. They took bred heifers to replace livestock after the destruction during WWII. It is known today as the Heifer International. In 1952 he took a 2nd sea going cowboy trip to Israel, from there they sailed to Denmark, to get cattle and then sailed back to Israel, before returning back to the states. In 1953 Martin married Arlene (Martin) They bought a farm in 1958 and operated with dairy, chickens and sweet corn. They had 4 children, Rachel (Brian) George, Dwight (Kim), Doug (Karen), and Reba (Rudy) Wolgemuth. Also surviving are 9 grandchildren and great grandchildren. In 1972, Martin started driving for Lancaster Limousine service (Unique). He enjoyed driving, meeting and conversing with new people. He took pleasure in driving and exploring new places. Martin drove for 26 years prior to retiring in 1998. He never had an accident driving all those miles. In 1980 he made 2 trips to Puerto Rico to take bred heifers there with ships leaving Baltimore. Martin made a trip to Russia with the Gideon’s to hand out literature. In 2002 they moved off the farm and resided at Mount Joy Country Homes. Martin enjoyed talking to people, riding his scooter, playing shuffle board and corn hole. He volunteered at the Mount Joy Gift and Thrift Shop and pushed wheel chairs at Mennonite Home. Martin liked to keep busy. He enjoyed driving around his farm owned by his son (Doug) and his family. Martin got around on his golf cart and on Tuesdays went to Roots Market. In 2020 they moved to Elizabethtown to receive family care. Martin’s wife, Arlene passed away on December 4th, 2022. They celebrated 69 years of marriage. His other interests were enjoying nature and viewing wildlife. Martin was an avid hunter and like taking trips to the cabin with his family. He liked watching Penn State Football and watched channel 49 following the daily news. Martin was a champion checker player, enjoyed carom and Chinese checkers. He also enjoyed keeping records, treasures of articles and letters from memorable memories. Martin had an amazing memory even in his late years. A sincere thank you to Masonic Village Hospice care team as you supported our family through dad’s earthly life’s journey. Your care, love and support was amazing. Thanks to the family and friends for your prayers, cards and texts. Thank you for your support through the years. A graveside service will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heifer International (heifer.org).

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Martin Brubaker

July 4, 1928 - February 17, 2024