I know that my Redeemer lives
What comfort this sweet sentence gives
He lives my mansion to prepare
He lives to guide me safely there
Firmly believing in the promises of God through Christ Jesus, W. David Martens was carried to his eternal home on May 3, 2025, at the age of 75.
He was born April 21, 1950, to Wilbur and Norma (Schwarz) Martens at Lutheran Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa. David was baptized on May 14, 1950, at Saint John Lutheran Church in Climbing Hill, Iowa. He was confirmed March 22, 1964, at First Lutheran Church in Kingsley, Iowa. He grew up on the family farm south of Moville, Iowa, and he helped with farming and livestock. He attended Woodbury Central High School, graduating in 1968. He then attended Westmar College in LeMars, Iowa, graduating in 1972 with a B.A. in business and history. After graduation, he started working for Iowa Beef Packers in Dakota City. He later transferred to Fort Dodge, Iowa, and worked in a management position.
David married Karen Ball of Sioux City, Iowa, on Sept. 22, 1973, at First Lutheran Church in Kingsley, Iowa. They resided in Sioux City until moving to Fort Dodge. He later took a job as a loan officer at First Federal Savings and Loan in Fort Dodge. Later he was promoted to Senior Vice President. David and Karen were blessed with two children, Michael David and Amy Elizabeth.
David loved collecting antique bottles and drugstore items, helping to furnish the necessary items for the general store and drugstore at the Fort Museum in Fort Dodge. After many years of working and serving in the Fort Dodge community, David retired in 2004, due to ill health.
David and Karen moved to Seward in 2022. Once in Seward, David continued to find ways to serve the Lord. Some of his favorite outreach activities were visiting nursing home residents, telling others about his Lord Jesus, and giving anonymously to those in need. He cherished spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Karen Martens of Seward; mother, Norma Martens of Spirit Lake, Iowa; sister, Annie (Greg) Ver Heul of Viborg, South Dakota; children, Michael Martens of Downers Grove, Illinois, and Amy (Kyle) Royuk of Seward; grandchildren, Alex Martens, Lauren Martens, Micah Royuk, Aaron Royuk and Nathan Royuk. David was preceded in death by his father, Wilbur Martens; and brothers, Roderick Martens and Marty Martens.
Visitation is Thursday, May 8, from 5 – 8 p.m. at Volzke Funeral Home, with a gathering of family and friends from 6:30 – 8 p.m. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, May 9, at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward with interment at West Fork Towhsnip Cemetery near Climbing Hill, Iowa.
Memorial contributions are suggested to St. John Lutheran School or Mission Central or Timothy Christian Schools, Elmhurst, Illinois.
Arrangements by Volzke Funeral Home.
