William ""Bill"" Henry Martens

William H. Martens, age 77, of Litchfield passed away peacefully on Friday, August 30 2013, surrounded by his loving family. A memorial service will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday, September 5, 2013, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the church. Interment will be in the Lake Ripley Cemetery. William Henry Martens, the son of William and Bertha (Koopman) Martens, was born on August 5, 1936, in Wayne, Nebraska. He grew up in Sibley, Iowa and received his education from Sibley high school graduating in 1954. After graduation he continued to work with the family on the farm. On April 18, 1959 he was united in marriage to Darlene Kraft in Brewster, MN. They made their home on a farm in Sibley, IA where Bill began his career with Cargill. In 1969, he relocated the family to Litchfield where he took over as manager of the Cargill Grain elevator. He had a fulfilling career with Cargill until his retirement in 1998. Bill was very proud of this community and was very active in Zion Lutheran Church, Z choir, OWLS, the Litchfield Kiwanis Club, Lions, Jaycees, Litchfield Watercade and Planning commission. He also volunteered for various organizations including farm safety 4 kids, installing life lines, and wherever he was needed. He enjoyed his annual fishing trip to Canada, socializing with friends, dancing, traveling, waterskiing, golfing and spending time with his family. He never missed a chance to go and watch his grandchildren in any of their activities. Those left to cherish his memory are his three children: Joel (Steph) of Livingston, MT, Matthew of St Louis Park, Kristine (Ryan) of Litchfield. Five grandchildren; Leah and Morgan Randt, Isaac and Sarah Taylor, Helena (Destri) Adams, two great-grandchildren: Emma and Ethan Adams, fiancée Cindy Hill of Litchfield. Brother Ed (Millie) of Sibley, IA, Darlene Allanson of Hopkins, nieces and nephews and many friends. Bill was preceded in death by his father William, mother Bertha, brother John, wife Darlene, sister Betty(Ralph) Carlson and brother-in-law Ron Allanson. Previous Events Visitation Thursday, September 5, 2013 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Zion Lutheran Church 504 North Gilman Avenue Litchfield, MN 55355 Visitation Thursday, September 5, 2013 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM Zion Lutheran Church 504 North Gilman Avenue Litchfield, MN 55355 Visitation Thursday, September 5, 2013 1:00 PM Riplely Cemetery 316 Sibley Avenue South Litchfield, MN 55355