Services for Ernest Martens, 70, of Martensdale, who passed away Wednesday, October 16, 2024, will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Martensdale, with burial following in the Linn Grove Cemetery, rural Norwalk.

Ernest Noel, named after his grandfather, was born Christmas day 1953, grew up on the rural family farm in Martensdale milking cows most mornings as a kid. He was fortunate to have his grandparents living very close by and always looked up to the local farmers, taking interest and trying to help decide next year's plans.

After graduation from High School, he joined the Army National Guard and became a diesel mechanic for many years. He felt it was necessary to obtain a wig to keep his long hair tucked under for drill. Working on the family farm, riding a motorcycle, working in the field or driving any large piece of machinery were his greatest enjoyments. Ernie rarely stopped working, helping anyone at any time was what he did best.

He had many honorable accomplishments, one of which was saving the church bell after the family church caught fire. Making state with his flutist skills. Other achievements included, longest beard, straightest field row, and numerous auto/mechanic show awards. If anything was broken on the farm equipment, vehicles, motorcycles and semi-trucks he could fix it. He could take a piece of machinery that hadn't been used in over 40 years and get it moving.

Ernie started work at R&M in Indianola working on farm equipment. He then became a truck driver, and soon after started his own business, Ernie's Repair. He was always there to help with demolition work with his closest friends. Joining his brother in concerts and productions as a stagehand was also something he enjoyed.

He was just as ornery as he was hardworking. Ernie enjoyed spending time with is grandchildren and great grandchildren who all have inherited his fearless independence for life. Ernie would light up watching his great-grandchildren, reliving the memories of growing up with his siblings and the constant commotion that followed. Some days even returning his little buddies on the tractor or mower who always made sure to take off to find what Papa was working on.  He loved the leaf piles that he and his grandchildren jumped in, or trying to teach his grandson-in-law all about taking things apart and spending all night to get it back together.

His most reassuring words to his daughter "Vern" were always "Don't worry, be happy" (and he might have to sing you a bit of the song.) We will cherish the never-ending Ernest & Vern jokes, singing with his daughter and learning each other's music interests, singing bass on the song 409 was his favorite, sharing his love for artists like Jethro Tull, 95 KGGO on the radio, and having many interactions with the band ZZ top who would invite him backstage.

Ernie never met a stranger and loved all children; you would catch him wiggling his beard and getting a big smile in return. An invitation to go to town for lunch at Crouse's has been joined by many, he absolutely adored the waitresses and staff there. His last few years have been filled with weekly family dinners, late nights working in the field or on field equipment, and making memories with his buddies. If anyone would talk about Ernie, they always were sure to mention how much he loved and cared for Amy, his grandchildren, and of course those great-grandchildren were his world.

Ernest is survived by his daughter, Amy Martens; grandchildren, Jake Mrzena, Ashlyn (Kolbie) Vanderpool; great-grandchildren, Hendrix, Zeplin, Kruger, Velzy; siblings, Keith Martens, Alice (Howard) Kulzer and Wayne (Karen) Martens; and many other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Martha Martens; and brother, Mark Martens.

Visitation will be held 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, October 22 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola, where family will be present to greet friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Ernest may be made to the Kiya Koda Humane Society or St. Paul Lutheran Church in Martensdale.