MELVIN MARTENS

Melvin Martens was born May 21, 1925 at the family farm near Martensdale, IA to Raymond and Marjorie (Anderson) Martens. The Lord called him home on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at The Village in Indianola.  Services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, October 7 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola with family present from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to services.  Burial will follow in the Linn Grove Cemetery, Prole, IA.

Melvin graduated High School at Martensdale and married Pearl A. DeSotel on September 25, 1949. He farmed with his dad and uncle until 1965, when he joined the sales force of Moorman Mfg. Co. In 1982, he was appointed a Rural Letter Carrier after serving as a "sub" for 12 years prior.

Melvin played semi-pro baseball for 12 years. To stay active in the game, he started umpiring high school baseball and basketball for 30 years. In 1978, he was inducted into the IHSAA Hall of Fame. He enjoyed these activities, but most importantly he knew his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. "With God All Things Are Possible" – Matthew 19:26.  He was a member of Mt Calvary Lutheran Church in Indianola, IA.

Survivors are his beloved wife, Pearl of 68 years; his four daughters, Karen and Ron Larson, of TX, Norma and Roger Erickson of CA, Nancy and Ted Van Zandt of Canada, and Mary Porter of FL; four grandchildren, Stacey Hunter, Neil Porter, Karl Erickson and Ana Scott; three great-grandchildren, Luke, Abby and Levi Hunter.

"For when the One Great Scorer comes to mark against your name, He writes – not that you won or lost – but HOW you played the game." Grantland Rice

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the "Boys & Girls Ranch" in Minot, N.D. or The Good Shepherd Fund at The Village.