Many fond memories of living at Miggenburg Brier Creek home while we built our own down the street....4 adults, 4 children, 2 dogs...one bathroom!!!

Great Miggenburg/Conant family spring break vacations...

Many Van-Dells concerts....

Miss you Big Marty!!!

I can't tell you the exact date this tall, lanky guy on crutches came into my freshman French class, but, I remember it like yesterday.  We didn't really talk much that year but I remember your sense of humor and how you enjoyed being only, 1 of 2, boys in that class.

Fast forward to our sophomore year, where we were set up on a double date and the memories began.  Lots of basketball, baseball and proms made up most of our  time together.  I remember your basketball coach telling you, you could be a great player if not distracted by that "girlfriend"!  Well, you pulled it off and was able to attend Ball State and create more memories with great teammates and fraternity brothers.

2 years after graduation and moving to the eastside of Indy, we were blessed with our little girl, Shannon, who was the Apple of her Dad's eye.  We decided to build a house in New Palestine a couple years later and during that process, we were blessed with Mitch, to complete our family, and a forever person to play pitch and catch with for you!

Our days were filled, from the time they were in kindergarten thru college,  with following these two to every gym and field around and adding family vacations whenever possible.  You became very fond of Florida and on one of the first trips, you and Mitch were reminded of suncreen whenever outside.  You both claimed to be just fine as you dug holes in the beach, to become your "chairs" for the day.  Needless to say, after that entire day out, you both had to spend the next 2-3 days in the condo unable to move!

You, also, added umpiring and refereeing to your hobbies and enjoyed, both, immensely.  You were, also, able to coach several of Mitch's teams and later, some teams at New Palestine.  These times became a great enjoyment in your life.

As time passed, a lifetime together was not meant to be but we were still able to remain co-parents and the best of friends.  I remember the day you told me you met Kim and how wonderful it was to find someone to share the rest of your life with.  I couldn't have been happier for you.  You certainly deserved it and to be a part of a huge family that embraced you and loved you from Day 1, and you, them.  You were all so lucky to have each other.

My heart aches that your last year was such a difficult one with so many health issues.  It wasn't your first time with issues but you always seemed to bounce back.  This time, it was not meant to be.  You were so very tired and just couldn't continue the fight.  We all understand.  You did your best and gave it your all. There is not a day that you are not thought about or remembered by all of us.  So many people said, you were a gentle giant which is so fitting.  Never angry, always kind and loved by many.

We will miss you and love you forever....

One of the moments I will cherish the most is before I was going to walk down the aisle to Caleb is the song Iris came on.. my chosen song to have my cat (she was just at home) there in spirit at our wedding. But the moment the music started playing I was in tears. I was in tears because I never thought that day would come. The man that was standing next to me was Marty. I chose him to make my grand entrance at my wedding to acknowledge where he helped lead me in life. He knew I was in tears (happy tears of course) but he put his hand on my back as such a gentle reminder that he was there.. and that’s what I hold with me now.. That is what I take with me now and everyday. That he has a hand on my back to help guide me where I’m next to go.

You are missed so much and no words will do that pain and emptiness justice. But today we celebrate your Birthday and the life you got to live while you were here.

Happy Birthday Marty, I love you 🖤