WINNIPEG — Family and friends flanked the little white casket carrying two-year-old Chase Martens Wednesday afternoon, as hundreds gathered to say goodbye.
His tearful Grandma told the church they would miss the toddler’s laughter, his giggles and the way he showed his love to his mommy, daddy and sisters.
“He gave his family a lifetime of love and happiness in the two years he was with us,” she said.
Outside the church his sister dropped to her knees in grief while her mom wrapped the girl in a hug.
Her Mom and Dad thanked the community for their support throughout the week.
“It’s just unbelievable how much love that little boy had…he sure made me proud,” said his mom Destiny Turner. “Everybody that we don’t even know cared so much for our son.”
The toddler’s funeral started at 2 p.m. at the Sommerfeld Mennonite Church, which is about 120 km outside of Winnipeg.
WATCH: Chase Martens’ mom says goodbye
Chase’s body was found Saturday afternoon in a creek near his home in Austin, Man., after he went missing for five days.
An autopsy later confirmed he died from drowning.
WATCH: A community comes together to grieve the tragedy
A pamphlet handed out to those attending the service included a letter written in the voice of Chase, which his Grandma later read.
“I want you to know one thing Mommy and Daddy, that God didn’t take me away. He opened his arms and hugged me, when I arrived in Heaven today
READ MORE: Chase Martens’ drowned in creek near home: Manitoba RCMP
GoFundMe page
Cousin Sophia Verna Ballantyne set up a GoFundMe page to help Chase’s family with funeral costs and other expenses, including travel. More than $5,000 was raised in the first 24 hours.
Wednesday’s funeral service will be followed by wakes for Chase later this week.
There will be one in Grand Rapids on Thursday and Friday starting at 5 p.m., with a service to follow at 7 p.m.
READ MORE: Family of Chase Martens “completely devastated” after toddler’s body found
There will be a burial on Saturday with a viewing starting at 11 a.m, according to Ballantyne.