Martin Fredrick Sahnow

Martin Fredrick Sahnow, age 86, passed away in Spring Lake, Michigan, on March 9, 2026. Born on April 22, 1939, in Hudson, Wisconsin, to David and Hildegard (Markgraf) Sahnow, Marty grew up with a strong work ethic that would define his life. Shortly after high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served with pride as an airplane mechanic. He later built a long career as a fire protection engineer. In 1983, he founded his own company, FDC Group, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 2016.

On May 22, 1981, Marty married Lyla Stiles Wells. The couple shared 41 loving years together until her death in 2022. His earlier marriage to Joan McGovern ended in divorce. In his younger days, Marty found joy in working on model trains, golfing, and bowling. In later years, he remained an avid sports fan, especially of the Detroit Tigers. Those who knew him described him as a hard-working, easygoing man who was genuinely liked by everyone he met.

Marty 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; eight step-grandchildren; and several step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lyla, and his brothers Donald and Merrill Sahnow.