Bill Martens, 96, of rural Winterset, now rests peacefully in God's loving arms. His death occurred on Monday, June 9, in West Des Moines.
He was a lifelong resident of Madison County and was proud to say that. He farmed north of Winterset for over fifty years, being a cattle producer and raising corn. His church, Trinity Lutheran, rural Van Meter was an abiding part of his life. A graduate of De Soto High School in 1946, he met his wife, Amy Lorraine Stump, who also attended school there. They shared sixty-seven years of marriage before her death in 2015. Together they raised six children: Bill, Cheryl, Diane, Janet, Wayne, and Michelle.
He was a devoted father and lifelong St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, although he admitted recently that the Chicago Cubs were also a "fun" team to watch. Bill served on the Earlham School Board in the 70's as well as serving his church in various capacities. He transitioned to being a long haul truck driver in the 80's and worked for Alan Ritchey, Inc. Valley View, Texas, for over thirty years. Even past retirement and well into his 80's, Bill continued to drive locally for Agriland FS, assisting during busy seasons. He was a "foodie" before there was even such a word!! A few of his favorites were fried chicken, mashed potatoes, peanut butter pie,and Scotcharoos! He faithfully started every day with two eggs and bacon, along with his Bible readings and devotions. Bill never met a stranger and lived a wonderful life. Most important to him was the knowledge that he was a faithful servant of God. The family would especially like to acknowledge Cherita Snyder (Winterset), Illahee Hills (Urbandale), and Ramsey Therapy for their loving care and support of our beloved Dad.
He is survived by all his children, Bill and Byrd Martens (MI), Cheryl Thrailkill (West Des Moines), Chuck and Diane Laughridge (KC), Brian and Jan Peters (TX), Wayne and Debi Martens (Winterset), and Craig and Michelle Solberg (Des Moines). Grandchildren are Joshua (Kellie) and Steve Martens (MI), Sarah (Matt) Thompson (OH), Jessica (Joshua) Rohrsen (OH), Scott Thrailkill (WDM), Alicia (Brad) Meyer (NC), Rev. Justin Laughridge (Emily) (Canada), Brandon Laughridge (Katie) (KC), Nathan Peters (Lindsay) (TX), Drew Peters (TX), Amy (Dax) Garrett (Prague), Thomas (Kayla) Martens (DM), Elizabeth (Kirk) Hansen (Grimes), Megan Solberg (Altoona), Honorary Grandson, Christoph Westendorf (Germany) -- Wayne & Debi's Exchange Student. Great-Grandchildren are Kaydence, Hannah, and Luke Martens (MI), JJ and Cooper Thompson (OH), Kobey Embrey (NC), Noah, Jonah, and Lily Laughridge (Canada), Graham and August Laughridge (KC), Erik and Miles Peters (TX), Isaiah Garrett (Prague), Will, Owen, Lucas Martens (DM), Grace and Scarlett Hansen (Grimes).
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, June 30, 2025 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Winterset Chapel. Funeral service will take place at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Van Meter. Burial will follow in the Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Lutheran Hour Radio Program and/or to the Christian Crusaders.
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