Martin R. Woodhams

Martin Raymond Woodhams passed away peacefully in the early hours of Saturday, August 19, 2023, of heart failure. Martin was born on August 10, 1935, to Raymond and Julia (Montgomery) Woodhams of Kalkaska, MI. He graduated from Kalkaska High School in 1953. Upon graduating, Martin traveled to Florida with friends to work on a survey crew and try his hand at sales. Shortly after, he returned to Kalkaska to ask for his high school sweetheart, Mary Aldridge’s hand in marriage. Together they had four children and began their life together as a family. They owned a gas station, an oilfield mud company, and an ice business. Eventually, they successfully built and operated Martin’s Sales & Service, selling and servicing Kawasaki, Ski-Doo, Arctic Cat, and John Deere. After 21 loving years of marriage, Mary lost her battle with cancer much too soon in life. Quick to realize life was best when shared with another, Martin married Linda Gibbons and together they sold real estate, drove school buses, operated an excavating business, and eventually realized his childhood dream of operating a dairy farm like so many others in his family had done. Sadly, their union ended after 22 years when Linda also succumbed to cancer. God was very good to Martin and helped him find love for a third time. Martin married Roberta (Hall) Hendricks and together they were able to enjoy their last 23 years of life. They spent most of their retired years as snowbirds, wintering in Lakeland, Florida, and summering in Kalkaska. They enjoyed time with their combined families, their dog Rosie, and many good and dear friends through the years. Martin and Roberta were very committed to their faith and regularly attended churches, both in Kalkaska and Lakeland. Martin enjoyed a love of all music, especially the old hymns and songs of the big band era. He loved to sing and whistle a tune. Some of Martin’s most endearing attributes were his loyalty to friends and family, his honor, and trust in others. His glass was always more than half full and bigger than anyone else’s. He was a model of tenacity and perseverance. His sense of humor and positive attitude were often seen through his smile and excitement when he greeted you. He genuinely loved to be with others and was quick to hug or handshake when saying hello or goodbye. Martin’s meal prayer always asked God to help him find a way to make someone else's life a little better, and God heard Martin’s request and answered with opportunity. For Martin, a stranger truly was just a friend he hadn’t met yet. A visitation for Martin will take place at Kalkaska Funeral Home on Saturday, August 26 at 2:00 pm, with a service to follow at 3:00 pm. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, you consider memorial contributions to Kalkaska County Commission on Aging, the Loren E. Hazen Memorial Scholarship Fund, or Hospice of Northern Michigan. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home.

Martin R. Woodhams

August 10, 1935 - August 19, 2023