Mildred Martens

Sibley, IA

     Mildred “Millie” Marie (Chohon) Martens of Sibley, IA passed away on May 9, 2020 at her son’s home in Rio Verde, AZ, following a nine-month battle with carcinosarcoma. She was born April 19, 1925 in Tarnov, NE to Joseph and Victoria (Lisko) Chohon. During World War II, she worked building B-29 bombers at the Glenn L. Martin plant in Omaha, NE where she met her husband, Ed. They were married on November 12, 1945. Millie and Ed made their home in Sibley and developed a Grade A dairy farm. They had six sons, and then at the age of 40, Millie received a surprise blessing with the birth of a daughter, which gave her great joy.

     Millie was outgoing and social and cared deeply for her dear friends in her golf and bowling leagues. She and Ed also enjoyed going out dancing. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sibley for over 70 years. One of her proudest moments was when the pastor of the church recognized the perfect attendance at Sunday School that year for all six of her boys. After her husband’s passing in 2016, her favorite pastime was playing cards and socializing with her friends, where they engaged in their fair share of “gossip”.

     Millie is survived by her sons, Gene (Jann) Martens of Onalaska, WI; Ed (Libby) Martens of Rio Verde, AZ; Randy (Dianne) Martens of Pierre, SD; Gary (Marlene) Martens of Clive, IA; Dan Martens of Mesa, AZ; daughter, Karla Shaw of Scottsdale, AZ; daughter-in-law, Sandy Martens of Minneapolis, MN; two sisters; 14 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

     She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Victoria; her loving husband of 71 years, G. Edward Martens; five sisters; one brother; son, Kenneth E. Martens; and daughter-in-law, Kathy Martens.

     There will be a private burial for immediate family on Friday, May 15, 2020. The family will determine plans for a memorial service at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 704 Poplar Dr, Sibley, IA 51249.