Martin F. Sahnow's Obituary
Martin Fredrick Sahnow, age 86, passed away in Spring Lake, MI, on Monday, March 9, 2026. Marty was born on April 22, 1939, to David and Hildegard (Markgraf) Sahnow in Hudson, WI. Shortly after graduating from high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served as an airplane mechanic. He spent his career working as a fire protection engineer, and in 1983 he started his own company, FDC Group, which he owned and operated until he retired in 2016. On May 22, 1981, he married the former Lyla Stiles Wells, and the two of them spent 41 wonderful years together until she preceded him in death in 2022. His previous marriage to Joan McGovern ended in divorce.
In his younger years Marty enjoyed working on model trains, golfing, and bowling. More recently he loved watching sports, especially the Detroit Tigers. Marty was a hard-working and easygoing man who was loved by all who met him. He will be lovingly remembered by his two sons: David (Karla Peterson) Sahnow and Steven (Elaine) Sahnow; six grandchildren: Owen (Jillian Warner) Sahnow, Perry Sahnow, James Sahnow, Naomi (Justin) Mills, Rebekah Sahnow, and Jeremy Sahnow; four stepchildren: David (Nancy) Wells, Cyndi Flowers, Patricia (Steven) Burke, and Joan Cole; and 8 step-grandchildren and several step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and both of his brothers, Donald and Merrill Sahnow.
Per Marty’s wishes no services are being held, but in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 1200 Seminole Rd, Muskegon, MI 49441. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI, 49444.
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