John "J.C." Martensen

John “J.C.” Martensen, 72, of Welton, Iowa, died late Thursday, November 2, 2023, at Genesis Medical Center in DeWitt, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bliedorn. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, DeWitt. Casual or Hawkeye apparel is welcomed.

John Charles “J.C.” Martensen was born March 5, 1951, in Jackson County, Iowa, the son of John H. and Betty (Bickford) Martensen. After graduating from Delwood High School, he received training as a welder from Clinton Community College. J.C. married Jean Mickey on July 7, 1973, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bliedorn. The couple resided in Welton, where they raised their family. J.C. worked as a welder at J.I. Case in Bettendorf and Burlington for 30 years, retiring in 2002. He then worked for the City of Welton and helped John and Chris Reed as a farm hand for 10 years. J.C. volunteered with the Welton Fire Department for 47 years, retiring in 2023.

J.C. loved the Iowa Hawkeyes, and was a football season-ticket holder for nearly 50 years, only missing one home game during that time. He enjoyed gardening, being outside, hunting, bowling, and attending all of his grandsons’ events. John was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bliedorn, and the U.A.W. Local 807.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jean; children, Shannon (Todd) Van Zuiden of Morrison, Illinois, and Jon “Bud” (Angela) Martensen of Welton; grandchildren, Brandon, Bailey, Hunter, Halie, Xavier, and Alexander; siblings, Ellen, Dale, and Arla, and brother-in-law, Fred Passig; many nieces and nephews; in-laws, Sherry (Donald) Haack, Kenneth (Sharon) Mickey, Rita Cochran, and James Mickey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Wendy Passig, and sisters-in-law, Deborah Berner and Brenda Mickey.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com

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