Lawrence "Grumpy" Martens

Lawrence “Grumpy” Martens, 91, of Camanche, Iowa, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at The Alverno, Clinton.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Monday, May 19, 2025, at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Church of The Visitation, Camanche. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in DeWitt.

Lawrence Alphonse Martens was born September 20, 1933, in Coal Valley, Illinois, to August and Anna (Diericks) Martens. He attended rural schools in Hoopole and Prophetstown Illinois, and rural Camanche, Iowa. He started farming at an early age, after his father experienced an injury. Lawrence married Jean Goethals on November 19, 1955, at St. James Catholic Church in Princeton, Iowa. The couple farmed together in rural Clinton County, raising 6 children. Lawrence was a lifelong farmer, also working for Cargill Seeds seasonally. After retiring in 1998, he continued to stay involved in farming in various other capacities.

Lawrence was a member of Church of The Visitation, Camanche, Low Moor Lions, Knights of Columbus, Clinton County Beef Producers and Pork Producers, Clinton County Farm Bureau, and Camanche bowling leagues. He enjoyed fishing, camping, playing cards, having a few cold ones with his buddies, and taking his JD 4020 on tractorcades. Lawrence was very proud of his family and enjoyed spending time with them.

Surviving are his wife of nearly 70 years, Jean; children, Marianne (Tom) Wagemester of Clinton, Brian (Karla Taylor) of Camanche, Chris (Kelly) of Camanche, Brent (Sara) of Goose Lake; numerous grandchildren and greatgrandchildren; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sons Joel and Randy, a granddaughter, Heather, an infant sister, Mary Ann, a brother, Leo, and a nephew.

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

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