Joe Marton

March  25th, 1972 March  17th, 2025
Kitwe, Zambia
Joe Marton

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Obituary

On March 17, 2025, in Kitwe, Zambia, Joe Marton unexpectedly went to be with our Lord and Savior. Born on March 25, 1972, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Joe was a man full of life, passion, and unwavering faith. He spoke Hungarian fluently and recently received his Hungarian citizenship, a connection to his heritage that he deeply cherished.

Though Joe grew up in Windsor and was baptized in the Apostolic Christian Church, he spent most of his adult life in Southern California, where he was an active member of Kindred Community Church in Anaheim Hills. In 2005, he left behind the comforts of California to serve in Kenya with Christ Hope International, dedicating his life to ministry and caring for children in need. In 2022, his journey led him to Lifesong for Orphans in Zambia, where he continued to serve until the Lord called him home. 

Joe thrived on relationships—he was a man who loved people deeply and intentionally. Known to countless children as "Uncle Joe," he invested in their lives with a heart full of love, laughter, and competition. Whether it was tennis, volleyball, or even a video game, he was always ready for a challenge, not just for the thrill of the game but for the joy of connection. He was athletic and full of energy, but he never went anywhere without his inhaler, always prepared in case his asthma kicked in. His contagious smile and adventurous spirit made him a friend to many across the world.

He lived simply, always ready to travel at a moment’s notice, embracing life wherever God placed him. Music was a constant in his life—he loved singing old gospel hymns as well as belting out songs while driving with the windows down. Above all, Joe had a servant’s heart. He was the hands and feet of Jesus, pouring himself into others without hesitation.

Though Joe never married, he had more than 1,000 orphaned children whom he loved as his own. His friendships spanned the globe, and he was deeply loved by those who knew him. While in Zambia, he worked closely with his dear friend Dennis Delic, with whom he shared a passion for squash and motorcycle adventures across Africa. He was also a deacon at Kitwe Church and was actively involved in youth ministry.

Joe passed away in the arms of his friend Dennis after an intense game of squash, suffering a sudden heart attack. His departure leaves an unfillable void, but he would want us to carry on his legacy—serving others joyfully and wholeheartedly, just as he did.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, John and Maria Marton. He is survived by his siblings: Daniel (Marika), Robert (Sheila), Peter (Karen), Samuel (Velinka), and Melinda (Stephen) Bodjanac. He was a cherished uncle to 16 nieces and nephews and 10 great-nieces and great-nephews: Stephanie, Natalie, Josiah (Kiana), Sarah (Jimmy), Nathan (Courtney), Zac (Bri), Manoah (Erin), Aaden (Sam), Simeon, Abbie (Jesse), Isabelle, Emma, Kelsey (Joe), Kaitlyn (Samuel), Michael, Clarissa, Jonah, Savi, Sophia, Bentley, Rory, Liam, Noah, Jude, James, and Milo.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Lifesong Zambia (https://give.lifesong.org/lifesong/joe-marton-memorial), ensuring that Joe’s heart for orphaned children continues to make an impact.

Joe lived with passion, loved without reservation, and served with joy. He was exactly where God wanted him to be, and he glorified Him every step of the way. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love and service will continue in the lives he touched.

Gallery


Memory wall

Post your condolences or share your Memories.


April 1, 2025
I only knew Joe for a few years. Met him at Mariners Church youth group in 1998. We ran around town w a click for a year or so. That was a fun time for all of us. I remember Joe as someone who was always smiling and positive. He loved all and gave his life to christ. What an amazing guy!
Rob Walker
March 30, 2025
I well remember teaching "Joey" in Sunday School more than 50+ years ago (!) in the Windsor AC church. We have great reason to praise our God for a life lived to the hilt, in God's service, May our God bring great comfort during this time of mourning. Indeed, He welcomed Joe home with "Well done, good and faithful servant".
Ruth (Albu) Patterson
March 28, 2025
My deepest condolences to all of you who have lost a brother, uncle, cousin, friend. It’s probably been decades since I last saw Joe (he was Joey then) but hearing of his sudden passing is something I still can’t quite fathom. I’m praying for all of you that you can feel God’s nearness to the brokenhearted. -Jen Nenadov
Jennifer Nenadov
March 26, 2025
You will be missed, our dear Joe..Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. Volimo te i nedostajes nam..
Andrea Kutlesa
March 24, 2025
Joe Marton was the ultimate networker, selfless, comfortable without a home base at times who was as comfortable mingling with his SoCal elite friends as he was living and serving in rural Africa. In fact, he preferred ministering in Africa over a more comfortable life. On March 19th Joe suffered a fatal heart while serving with Lifesong For Orphans in Zambia and went home to be with the Lord he loved and served so well.

Joe was foundational in growing the ministry of Christ’s Hope. In 2005 he was key in establishing a beachhead in Kenya which eventually spread to all of East Africa. Joe recruited and worked alongside Martin (Edith) Chamah who served for a decade as Kenya’s first country team leader.

You never knew exactly where in world Joe might be on any given day; he had friends everywhere. In fact, on one trip, he told me (Dave Kase) when we were going to be traveling to a certain town “I have friends in that town, but I haven’t met them yet.” Many of his friends caught his vision for the work of Christ’s Hope and became ministry partners.

Over his many years with Christ’s Hope, Joe served as a US Board member and chairman, fund developer, networker, advisor, and friend.

We will miss Joe’s sense of humor, his zest for life, his great joy in loving people well all over the world. Thank you, Joe, for all you have done that is now being multiplied and used to bless thousands of lives in Africa.

For all of us in Christ’s Hope, whose lives have been touched and transformed through Joe,

Dave Kase
International Director, Retired.
Dave Kase
March 24, 2025
1988, Joe full of life, fun, smiles. What a gift to so many. In front of Gruich’s home. Heart are sad yet grateful for our future hope.
Michael Gruich
March 24, 2025
I met Joey back when we were teenagers at church when he lived with Dan and Mary. He was a wonderful and welcomed addition to our group of friends. As we grew up, life took us all in different directions. It was always a joy to catch up with one another when our paths did cross each other's. This world is a bit dimmer today without you in it, dear friend but I also know that heaven is that much brighter. Until we meet again... ❤️
Corinne Bocka
March 23, 2025
They(cousins Joe and Miriam ) both must be enjoying heaven together. ❤️
Adina Algra
March 23, 2025
One Sunday a couple years ago while sitting in our church in Oakville (Hope Bible Church), I was pleasantly surprised to see Joe’s familiar face. My husband and I were sitting a couple rows back from him and almost the whole service I kept wondering if that just might be him. When the service was over, we made sure to cross paths with him and sure enough it was him. We had a great conversation about Zambia (as I had gone back in 2011) so it was so nice to hear how things had changed over the years and hear about some of his experiences. It felt like such a natural conversation even though I don’t recall ever really talking to him previously at ACC events growing up. We really enjoyed that conversation and reading many of these tributes I can see this was a gift of his.

Praying comfort over the Marton family in this time of grief. Cherish all those precious memories!

Steve & Bianca
Bianca Pentsa
March 23, 2025
Stunned and deeply saddened we wish to express our deepest condolences to dear Marton family and Lifesong Zambia team.
Praying for Lord’s healing comfort and peace.
Zoran & Pearl Nenadov
Zoran Nenadov
March 23, 2025
Dear Cousin,
Although we never got to see each other often, you were spoken of and thought of more than you knew. Finally got to see you face to face though, at your brother Dan's last year!
Until another face to face, may you fly high On Eagle's Wings, singing that Heaven Song and be Dancing With The Angels. May your soul joyfully proclaim Heaven's Now My Home, and where we will all meet at Jesus' feet.
Martha Marton
March 22, 2025
We will miss you deeply, but we know this isn’t goodbye—it’s ‘see you later.’ Rest in paradise, my dear cousin.”
Adina Algra
March 22, 2025
There are so many great memories that come to mind when I think of Joey. He was just a little younger than Sam and me so as children we three often played together. Legos and ping pong were a staple in the Marton basement. As we got older we often sang around a piano and then in choirs. Joey loved to sing and he had a great voice. Then there were the road trips to church camps and rallies... Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania...we went all over. We once found ourselves in a 2 man volleyball tournament at one of those events and almost won it.
When I got married and we started having children, uncle Joey came over with uncle Ricky (Udicki) for Survivor night. Our children still refer to him as "uncle Joey".
We served in AWANA together in California and played Canadian street hockey with the clubbers.
So many great memories.... many great conversations about God and life... I was truly blessed by Joey, my little brother in Christ and I know he has been used by God to impact so many more.
Andy Simonji
March 22, 2025
No matter where you were in the world you always seem to make it to family events. You will be missed but you are with your heavenly family now. Till we meet again!
Sheila Marton
March 21, 2025
Please accept my family's heart-felt condolences to Joe's family and friends. May his soul rest in eternal peace.🙏 It is with great sadness to learn of his sudden passing. We had the chance to meet and interact with him in Kitwe, Zambia. Joe is a pleasant, fun, and energetic man. My husband Eduardo, together with their friends at Nkana East Tennis Club, would regularly play lawn tennis. He was also one of the firsts to bring a pickleball paddle in the same court. Our family would always remember how he was the 1st guest to arrive at my husband's birthday party in 2024 and oh, how he loved to sing along with Karaoke!

With sincerest sympathy from
the Arevalo family 🇵🇭
Belle Arevalo
March 21, 2025
Fly with the angels! I love you and will miss you forever!
your cuz in Grugnay, CH
March 21, 2025
Thinking about my wonderful memories smoking a cigar and having a good scotch in our backyard with your brother, brings tears to my eyes even talking about it
Alvaro Ugarte
March 21, 2025
my heart‘s totally broken, my love and prayers to you and your whole family. I am so sorry.
Alvaro Ugarte
March 21, 2025
I was deeply saddened to hear about Joe Marton’s passing. For over 10 years, I had the privilege of working for the Marton family. Looking back, I realize what an honor it was to be part of that experience and to get to know them. During that time, I learned lifelong skills that I still pursue today, and I’m so grateful for the impact they had on my life.

Joe left a lasting mark on me. On my last day at Marton, he called me into his office and prayed for me to be successful in life and to trust God. That moment and prayer stayed with me through the years, and later on, it played a big part in my journey to truly find and accept God. I’ll always cherish that prayer, it meant more to me than words can express. Joe’s kindness and faith were a gift, and his memory will live on in all of us who were fortunate to know him. My thoughts are with the entire Marton family during this difficult time. Thank you, Daniel and Robert, for everything. God bless you all 🙏
Zsolt and Ofelia
Zsolt Belenyesi
March 21, 2025
Joey a wonderful team leaders both at Church and at work.
He always said it's ok 😂. We shared a deep love for the motorbike as much as we shared love for young people. His last message to me was a meeting that he wanted to have Sunday for the teens leaders. He was truly a brother in Christ.
Jitto Sobana
March 21, 2025
Huntington Beach 2014 will miss you cuz
EDWIN MARTON
March 21, 2025
March 20 2020...5 years ago to this day we met and visited with Joe in Vancouver. He was travelling with Larissa Sabo and we hosted them both for dinner.
What a fun and engaging evening we all shared!
After our meal we ended up around the piano singing Zions Harp songs.
He couldn't get enough!
He will surely be missed here on earth but I can only imagine the songs he will be singing in Heaven with our Lord!
Hallelujah!
Dennis , Michele and Alyssa Megyesi
March 20, 2025
I was part of the team on your first mission trip to Namibia, Africa in 2004. That trip forever changed us both. This picture is from Kenya in 2005 on my second mission trip with Christ’s Hope International while you were living there. Both of us coming from European backgrounds, were so glad to find a good dessert place here and then went to the local car show and laughed because it wasn’t quite like the Detroit Auto show. We both signed up to go back to Kenya and Tanzania with Christ”s Hope in April of 2020, but due to Covid the trip was cancelled. I’ll never forget the countless memories, lives changed, and adventures on that journey.and the friendships we shared.
Rose Stelkic
March 20, 2025
Joey, my dear brother, you would always say I was your favorite brother-in-law(your only one!) I would say it was our friendship that led me to getting to know and then marry Melinda so thank you Joey for the greatest of blessings. Joey, you had a truly magnetic personality, the energy and zest for life, infectious smile that went for a mile, warmth, love and service for others ,your love for Christ defined who you were. I will miss the fish tacos at Huntington Beach the Indian food in Zambia, snacking on Hungarian sausage ,sipping a few glasses of wine with you at dinner, belting out some tenor, singing songs together.
Visiting you in Zambia and seeing where your passion for missions led you serving Christ and loving Him ,sharing who Jesus is with others.
I loved how anywhere we would go if you heard an accent from a complete stranger you would strike up a conversation and find out where they were from and open the door for some great conversation and even friendships. Joey could talk to anyone, anywhere ,anytime. He truly had that gift.
You are more than just my brother-in-law you were a great friend.
You were the funcle to Kelsey, Kaitlyn, Michael and Clarissa. You sure had a way to connect with those kids at every stage of life. You adored them and loved them so much, embarrassing them when you had the chance. They loved your goofiness and the adventures you shared snowboarding in Colorado, FIFA with Michael, Countless tennis and Pickleball games and endless beach volleyball, then more Hungarian sausage. You were a godly example to them and encouraged them to stay strong in their faith and walk with Christ. They loved you so much. I will miss you, Joey. I loved you so much. I will see you once again in heaven.
Stephen

Death leaves a heartache that only God can heal, a memory. No one can steal.

“And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again.
‭‭Acts‬ ‭20‬:‭36‬-‭38‬ ‭

He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭
Stephen Bodjanac
March 20, 2025
My first encounter with Joe was in Zambia—he picked me up at the airport and was the first to introduce me to Zambia and Africa. 🇿🇲

We had a great time serving together at LifeSong, creating wonderful memories.

Just as he was the first person I met upon arrival, he was also the last, taking me back to the airport. He was kind, always willing to help and serve, and I truly enjoyed his company.

Very sad to hear this news.

Rest in peace in Christ.
Aleksandar Franc
March 20, 2025
Many great memories with Joe! He was very relational, joyful and had an infectious laugh. May his life lived for the Lord and his death impact many more for Gods kingdom. Can’t wait to sing on that beautiful shore someday together. He beat me to it. Love ya Martons! Praying for Gods comfort and peace!
Sandy Yovichin
March 20, 2025
Rest in peace cousin you are now safe in the arms of Jesus 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Ed Marton
March 20, 2025
My brother from another mother. When I arrived in Newport 1998 you were one of the first I got to know when attending YenX youth nights at Mariners. 27 years later, we had a great run through ups and downs. You been there when I’ve been down and supporting my family when we needed help.
I will miss you SO much but just to mention a few things we enjoyed. Playing tennis, having steak dinner/pool hang and playing games with our children and singing hymns and worship songs together.
Thank you for all the inspiration to be a Man of God and try to make a difference in this world. Can’t wait to see you up there 👆 Love you bro.
Samuel Hubinette
March 20, 2025
Glad I had the privilege of meeting this wonderful man, who made such a difference in so many lives!
Marilyn Gerkin
March 20, 2025
Joe
It's really so unbelievable to know we won't play tennis again. You were a good partner to everyone and your presence glowed with so much cheer and love. The kids from the club loved you and so we did. Go well, indeed an angel lived with us. May the good Lord receive you well. Rest easy man. So broken 💔
Kamwendo Thom
March 20, 2025
Joe was one of a kind! When I saw him, he always had a big smile and laughed a lot. He truly had joy only found in Christ. His zeal for doing His work was so evident, a trait that I admire and want to emulate.
Dan Yovichin
March 20, 2025

Condolences to all of your family. Praying for strength and peace🙏🏻

Uncle Joe, first I want to say that words can not explain how heartbroken we are for the loss of having you in our lives, but how thankful we are to have had the privilege to have known you.
You have been there for our family in ups and downs and the kids adored you.
Our hearts are broken and the loss of your presence is going to be hard to understand.
But we have been so Blessed by you , Thank you for all the great memories🤍

You had the biggest heart with an unselfish agenda, helping others unconditionally. That is a true hero.

You will be so missed by so many. Every heart you touched is so saddened to not have you on this worldly earth anymore.
But that is us being selfish.
You are living your best life in heaven with Jesus and singing old hymns with your parents and I’m sure you seen my mom up there too.

You are and will always be our Uncle Joe and I am living every day in faith knowing that I’ll see you again in heaven🤍

Psalm 23

Stina Hubinette
Stina Hubinette
March 20, 2025
Joe was a classic & one of nicest guys I ever met. He attended our church, EFCLH, years ago, and after an interview, Joe became the original tenor of our Glory Gates Quartet for the first 2 years in 2002 & 2003. In 2003, we went to Romania with us to serve & perform concerts there. I believe that this is where Joe began his passion for orphans that carried over to Zambia. He left the GGQ for his ministry in Zambia in 2004, and we totally supported his decision.
We loved Joe. He was so friendly, so loving & so thoughtful. He had such a love for the Lord & for being obedient to His calling. He is the perfect example where we can confidently say that Jesus told Joe; "Well done my good & faithful servant." I posted 4 pictures above.
Rich McIntyre
March 19, 2025
Potato Joe! There is nothing that Joe wouldn’t do for the people he loved. He had the biggest heart and my memories of my family and I staying with him in Huntington over the years will live with me forever:)
Kylie Puckett
March 19, 2025
There is so much I can say about Joe! He was the sweetest most loving person I ever knew, He always would find ways to make someone smile and show Gods working throughout a conversation. He always loved and cared for everyone no matter what! I hope we all learn how to be like Joe ❤️
Scarlett Sibert
March 19, 2025
There are countless stories about Joe that could be shared from his many friendships and time spent with family. While there’s not enough time or space to fully express what Joe meant to me and my family, I’ll do my best to keep it brief.

Joe has been a great friend to me for over 25 years, and an incredible uncle to my three kids. We always tell our friends that "Uncle Joe" is in town and they need to come meet him. All the time, especially the week long visits he spent with us in the past few years, was memorable, and we all looked forward to his visits with excitement and sad when it was time for him to leave. Joe knew where he was going after life here, and he spoke of it often, so I know he is embraced by family and friends as he is in heaven now.

My commitment to Joe is that moving forward I want to live my life like Uncle Joe: to fully embrace every conversation, laugh often, be intentional in my relationships, always be ready for the next adventure, and, most importantly, passionately seek Christ daily.

I’ll see you again in heaven, my friend. And when I do, be ready for a big hug!
Bill Sibert
March 19, 2025
There’s so much I could say about joe to me he was my hero someone I looked up to as a kid and as an adult he was someone who loved everyone for who they were he was someone you could go to when everything fell down a kind hearted man who gave the world to the people around them and thanks to him I was put on the right path in life I can’t ever repay that so thank you Joe for all the fantastic memories you’ll always be my big brother I love you
Cody held
March 19, 2025
We love you uncle Joe. We will miss you so much! I will never forget the amazing memories we made.
Kelsey Popov
March 19, 2025
To Joey. My other older brother growing up. You took me to CFG growing up any time I needed a ride. You taught me how to drive stick shift for the first time in your Chevette. You taught me how to "tightrole" my jeans. You were a friend, a brother, amd a mentor. Your smile was infectious, your love was unending. I learned so much about Jesus looking at you. I hope to leave a legacy of love like you did. See you in heaven brother.
Darren Varga
March 19, 2025
Harmonizing/singing with Joe, Sylvia, Christina and me anytime we got a chance, was my most fond memory!! Joe, thank you for loving children the way you did!!! Your influence will last for generations to come.
Rosie Jauregui Santillan
March 19, 2025
Joe you loved deeply and were so deeply loved. You are so deeply missed. Love you forever.
Robert Marton

Service


Memorial Service for Joe will be streamed through Facebook, or you may join in person. The livestream service will be recorded and the link will be accessible to view the service afterwards.

Access available both on Facebook and Youtube at the following links:
www.facebook.com/share/15vHZjffkS/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://youtube.com/@kitwechurch5194
Location
Kitwe Church
Lubambe Center
5420 Kuomboka Drive
Parklands, Kitwe
Date/time
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 3:00pm Zambia/ 9:00am EST
Virtual event
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